The FIFA World Cup 2026 continued to deliver action on the field, with Portugal producing one of the most dominant performances of the tournament so far by defeating Uzbekistan 5-0 in their Group K clash.

Portugal's attacking display proved too strong for Uzbekistan as they secured a convincing five-goal victory and strengthened their position in the group standings.

In Group L, England and Ghana played out a goalless draw in a tightly contested encounter. Despite several opportunities at both ends, neither side was able to find the breakthrough, resulting in both teams sharing the points.

Another Group L fixture saw Croatia edge past Panama with a 1-0 victory. Croatia's disciplined performance and decisive goal helped them collect all three points and maintain momentum in the competition.

In Group K, Colombia secured a narrow 1-0 win over DR Congo. The South American side delivered a composed performance to claim an important victory and improve their chances of progressing further in the tournament.

Beyond the football action, the FIFA World Cup 2026 is also expected to provide a significant boost to the hospitality sector in the United States. According to a recent report by CoStar and Tourism Economics, lodging demand generated by the tournament is projected to increase U.S. hotel Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) by 1.7% year-on-year during June and July 2026.

The impact is expected to be even stronger in host cities, where RevPAR is forecast to grow by 12.7% during the World Cup months. For the full year, host markets are projected to record a 3.8% increase in RevPAR, highlighting the economic benefits associated with one of the world's largest sporting events.

While industry experts describe the overall growth as modest, the report notes that the tournament will make a meaningful contribution to hotel industry performance in 2026. Increased visitor arrivals, longer stays and higher occupancy levels are expected to support hotels across key host destinations throughout the competition.

As the tournament progresses, both football fans and hospitality businesses continue to benefit from the excitement and global attention surrounding FIFA World Cup 2026.

Encalm has announced the launch of Encalm Eats, a dedicated food and beverage vertical that marks the company's entry into the creation and management of hospitality-led dining concepts. The new venture aims to develop distinctive culinary brands while expanding Encalm's integrated hospitality ecosystem across airports and other high-footfall destinations.

As its first in-house brand concept, Encalm Eats has introduced IndiSip Café at Delhi Airport. Designed around the idea of bringing India's flavours to travellers one sip at a time, the café celebrates the country's rich beverage heritage while offering a contemporary café experience.

The launch represents a natural extension of Encalm's hospitality portfolio, which already spans airport lounges, meet-and-assist services, wellness offerings, and in-flight catering. Through Encalm Eats, the company plans to build a portfolio of original food and beverage concepts alongside select partner brands, focusing on authentic flavours, operational excellence, and evolving consumer preferences.

At IndiSip Café, guests can choose from a wide selection of beverages inspired by India's tea culture, including Ginger Cardamom Chai, Kesar Chai, Gulab Chai, and Kashmiri Kahwa. The menu also features handcrafted coffees, iced lattes, espressos, and indulgent shakes designed to cater to both traditional and modern tastes.

Complementing the beverage selection is a food menu that blends regional favourites with café classics. Offerings include Masala Samosa, Khopara Patties, Irani Bun Maska, Achari Paneer Tikka Wraps, and Achari Chicken Tikka Wraps, alongside croissants, muffins, cookies, and other grab-and-go options suited to today's travellers.

Commenting on the launch, Vikas Sharma, Group Chief Executive Officer, Encalm, said the introduction of Encalm Eats marks the next phase of the company's vision to create a comprehensive hospitality ecosystem. He noted that food and beverage experiences remain one of hospitality's most important touchpoints and that IndiSip reflects the company's commitment to enhancing every stage of the guest journey.

Deepak Bhatia, Business Head, Encalm Eats, added that the company intends to build a portfolio of concepts rooted in authentic flavours, consumer insight, and consistent quality. He described IndiSip as the first step in a larger strategy to create memorable dining experiences through thoughtfully designed food and beverage brands.

The launch of IndiSip Café signals the beginning of Encalm Eats' broader expansion plans, with the company aiming to introduce innovative dining concepts across multiple formats and locations. As consumer expectations continue to evolve, Encalm Eats plans to focus on creating culinary experiences that combine authenticity, convenience, and quality.

Chef Avinash Martins has brought his acclaimed restaurant Janot to Bengaluru, marking a new chapter for the brand that first gained popularity in Goa. Located at 1 MG-Lido Mall, the restaurant combines thoughtful food, warm hospitality and a menu inspired by stories, ingredients and travel experiences.

Spread across 5,500 sq. ft. with seating for 70 guests, Janot has been designed as a neighbourhood restaurant where diners can enjoy leisurely meals, creative cocktails and meaningful conversations in a relaxed setting.

Rather than focusing on a single cuisine, Janot follows an ingredient-first philosophy. Each dish begins with an ingredient, flavour or memory that inspires Chef Avinash, whether discovered during his travels, rooted in regional traditions or connected to personal experiences. This approach creates a menu that feels both contemporary and familiar while remaining approachable.

Sharing the vision behind the restaurant, Chef Avinash Martins said, "Some of the best dishes come from simple ideas. A meal you remember from a small town, an ingredient you discover while travelling, or a recipe that's been passed down through generations. Janot is a collection of those experiences. We wanted to create food that people connect with, not just admire."

The restaurant takes its name from a Portuguese expression often used affectionately by Chef Avinash's grandmother. That sense of warmth and nostalgia is reflected throughout both the dining experience and the hospitality.

The Bengaluru menu showcases a range of dishes inspired by Chef Avinash's culinary journey. Signature offerings include Udaipuri Laal Maas Galouti served with khooba roti, Gallina Cafreal featuring pulled chicken cafreal on a potato rosti with quail egg, and Military Lamb with herb-crusted lamb chops paired with donne pulao and sherva gravy.

Seafood dishes such as Patte Wali Macchi, a banana leaf-wrapped seabass served with fish stew and turmeric curry leaf cauda, and Odiya Crab Kassa with kasundi hollandaise and caviar beignets add further variety to the menu.

For vegetarian diners, dishes like Udaipuri Kathal Galouti, Makhan Phal Kofte and Rumani Baingan Chokha highlight familiar ingredients and regional flavours through a modern presentation while staying true to the restaurant's ingredient-led philosophy.

The beverage programme complements the food menu with cocktails inspired by regional ingredients, seasonal produce and Indian drinking traditions. Signature creations include Patoi, inspired by Goa's traditional patoleo dessert, Marmalade, Kokum & Curry Leaf G&T and Feni Colada, offering guests a distinctive and flavourful drinking experience.

Janot also caters to a wide range of dietary preferences with dedicated vegetarian, Jain, vegan and gluten-free options, ensuring an inclusive dining experience for all guests.

Speaking about bringing the concept to Bengaluru, Thejus Shivarama, Partner, Janot Bengaluru, said, "Chef Avinash has a very honest way of looking at food. Every dish has a reason to exist and every ingredient has a purpose. That's what drew me to Janot. Bengaluru's dining scene has evolved tremendously over the last few years. People are well travelled, curious and open to trying new things, but they also value sincerity. We felt Janot would resonate because it's not trying to be anything other than itself."

With its arrival in Bengaluru, Janot introduces a dining experience that combines comfort, creativity and storytelling, offering guests food that celebrates ingredients while staying rooted in genuine hospitality.