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🇳🇵 Nepal /Sports

Midnight matches cast doubt on Nepal's World Cup business boom

From Kathmandu Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Nepal's hospitality industry faces uncertainty for the FIFA World Cup 2026 due to most matches airing between midnight and early morning.
  • Traditionally a major economic driver, the World Cup's late-night schedule challenges business owners who question fan willingness to stay out late on weekdays.
  • Businesses are preparing by extending operating hours and hoping for increased attendance during weekends and later stages of the tournament.

Nepal's hospitality sector, usually energized by the FIFA World Cup, is bracing for a muted economic impact from the 2026 tournament. The primary concern is the challenging fixture schedule, with most matches set to broadcast between midnight and early morning hours.

Due to the timing, we are not expecting a huge business.

— Sudarshan PaudelCEO and founder of Lavie Hospitality Group, commenting on the impact of the late-night match schedule on business.

For years, the World Cup has been a significant economic opportunity, filling restaurants, pubs, and entertainment venues across Nepal. Fans gather to watch games, boosting sales for various businesses, from food and beverage providers to transportation services. However, the 2026 tournament, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, presents a unique hurdle. The games will largely take place between 12:45 AM and 6:45 AM, and sometimes even later, prompting many business owners to question customer turnout.

Except for students, most people have to go to work the next day. Late-night matches will be challenging for them.

— Sudarshan PaudelCEO and founder of Lavie Hospitality Group, explaining the difficulties posed by the match timings for the general public.

"Due to the timing, we are not expecting a huge business," said Sudarshan Paudel, CEO of Lavie Hospitality Group. He noted that while students might attend, most working individuals will find it difficult to stay out late on weekdays. Paudel anticipates better attendance during the tournament's crucial later stages, such as the quarter-finals, when fan interest typically peaks.

We expect customer numbers to increase by 30 to 40 percent despite the timing.

— Basanta LamaOwner of Burger House, expressing optimism about customer turnout despite the challenging schedule.

Despite the concerns, businesses are making preparations. Areas like Durbar Marg and Thamel are expected to be popular gathering spots. Some operators are banking on Nepal's two-day weekend, hoping fans will be more inclined to stay out late on Fridays and Saturdays. Burger House, a well-known restaurant chain, plans to operate its Airport, Baluwatar, and Thamel outlets 24/7 during the tournament, with owner Basanta Lama expecting a 30 to 40 percent increase in customers, citing the strong passion for football in Nepal.

Football is loved across the world, and Nepalis are passionate football followers. Even during the Champions League, customer turnout remained strong.

— Basanta LamaOwner of Burger House, drawing parallels with past successful events to predict customer interest.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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