FIFA fever high as Hyderabad bars to stay open late for grand finale

Football fans in Hyderabad can look forward to watching the climax of the FIFA Club World Cup 2026 without worrying about the last order for drinks.

Considering the growing popularity of global sporting events in the city, the Telangana government has extended liquor service hours for bars, clubs and microbreweries for the tournament’s final match and the third place contest. The relaxation allows licensed establishments across the Telangana Core Urban Region (CURE) to remain open until 4.30 a.m. on the intervening night of July 18 and 19, when the third-place play-off will be held, and until 3 a.m. on the intervening night of July 19 and 20 for the championship final.

The order, issued by Commissioner of Prohibition and Excise C. Hari Kiran, covers licensed 2B bars, C1 clubs, TD1 and TD2 establishments, and microbreweries across Hyderabad and adjoining urban areas.

The extension comes following a representation from the Telangana Bar and Restaurants Owners Association, which sought additional operating hours to cater to football enthusiasts expected to gather in large numbers to watch the late-night matches. The Excise Department granted the relaxation while directing all establishments to strictly adhere to excise laws and licensing conditions.

Officials, however, made it clear that the relaxation applies only to operating hours and does not dilute compliance requirements. Deputy Commissioners of Prohibition and Excise in Greater Hyderabad, Malkajgiri and Cyberabad, along with district excise officers in Hyderabad, Secunderabad, L.B. Nagar, Malkajgiri, Qutbullapur and Serilingampally, have been directed to ensure that the extended operations are carried out strictly in accordance with the law.

For Hyderabad’s vibrant night life, the decision is expected to provide a boost to weekend business. Sports bars, pubs and microbreweries, which have increasingly become gathering spots for fans during major international sporting events, are likely to witness packed houses as football lovers cheer their favourite clubs through the early hours.