UK weighs holiday if England wins World Cup
The UK government is considering the possibility of declaring an additional bank holiday should England win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Friday, July 24 emerging as the most likely date for a nationwide day off.
The proposed holiday would come five days after the World Cup final, allowing time for victory celebrations if the Three Lions lift the trophy.
England booked their place in the semi-finals with a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway and are set to face Argentina on Wednesday. A win would send Thomas Tuchel’s side into the final against Spain, who secured their place by defeating tournament favourites France 2-0.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has suggested that the idea remains under consideration but stopped short of making any commitments. Speaking during last week’s NATO summit, he said: “I don’t want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final.”
In a separate interview with LBC, Starmer said he was keeping expectations in check despite England’s strong run in the tournament.
“I’m an Everton supporter, so I never get carried away when it comes to football—not even with England. I think there’s still some improvement needed before we can seriously believe it’s coming home,” he said.
It has not yet been decided whether any additional bank holiday would apply only to England or be extended across the entire United Kingdom. Bank holiday arrangements differ across the UK, with England and Wales currently observing eight annual bank holidays, Scotland nine, and Northern Ireland ten.
The proposal has divided opinion. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said she would be unlikely to support an extra bank holiday, arguing that it would place an unnecessary burden on the economy.
Speaking at a Politics UK event, Badenoch said the private sector would likely continue operating while much of the public sector would take the day off.
“This Conservative Party believes in common sense,” she said. “Celebrate the achievement, but remember that hard work matters too.”
No final decision has been made, and ministers are expected to revisit the issue only if England go on to win the tournament.
