Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar appeals football fans to maintain law and order during FIFA World Cup 2026 final telecast
Bengaluru, July 19
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Friday urged the general public to maintain law and order during the FIFA World Cup 2026 telecast.
"This morning, I have requested everyone to be very calm. Law and order are very important. We have given you an opportunity, so you can enjoy. We believe in the youth of this country and the state. Let them be happy," he said.
Earlier on Saturday, the Karnataka State Football Association (KSFA), in association with the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYES), Government of Karnataka, organised a public live screening of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar will personally attend the event and watch the live telecast of the World Cup final along with football fans, sportspersons, dignitaries, and members of the public, according to a press release.
The live screening of the FIFA World Cup Final between Argentina and Spain will begin at 12:30 a.m. on Monday, July 20, at the NGV Indoor Stadium, Koramangala, Bengaluru.
Moreover, the Bengaluru City Police also extended the operating hours of hotels, restaurants, and bars on selected match days.
The order was issued by Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh on Friday, following a request from the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), which had sought longer food service hours to allow fans to watch the late-night matches.
According to the order, hotels and restaurants within the Bengaluru City Police Commissionerate limits will be allowed to serve food till 1:00 AM on July 19 and till 3:30 AM on July 20 for the World Cup final.
The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina will be played at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday (local time). Spain are aiming for their first FIFA World Cup crown since 2010, while Lionel Messi's Argentina seek back-to-back titles.
Defending champions Argentina staged a dramatic comeback to defeat England 2-1 in the semifinal, overturning a first-half deficit. Enzo Fernandez restored parity with the equaliser before Lautaro Martinez struck a stoppage-time winner to send Argentina into the title clash against Spain.
Spain, on the other hand, secured a place in the FIFA World Cup final for the first time since their 2010 triumph after defeating France 2-0 with a composed performance.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Great initiative by the government! Allowing restaurants to stay open till 3:30 AM is a smart move. Hope people behave responsibly and don't create any nuisance. Enjoy the football but stay safe, everyone! ⚽️
Respectfully, why do we need the CM to personally appeal for law and order for a football screening? Shouldn't this be routine police management? Focus on real issues like traffic and infrastructure, please. Football fans are responsible people.
This is so wholesome! 🥹 Watching Argentina vs Spain at 12:30 AM with fellow fans in Bengaluru - what a vibe! Reminds me of 2010 when we watched Spain win. Hoping for another classic final. Vamos Argentina! 🇦🇷🔥
Honestly, this is a nice change from the usual news about politics and corruption. Seeing the CM spending time with football fans is a welcome move. Just wish they'd also focus on developing local football talent instead of just hosting screenings.
That England vs Argentina semifinal was epic! Lautaro Martinez in stoppage time - wow! 😱 And Spain's defense was rock solid against France. This final is going to be blockbuster. Thank you Karnataka government for making this happen for us night owls!
S Siddharth J