England could be given an extra bank holiday if the men’s national team wins the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expected to announce the move should England lift the trophy. The proposal would mark England’s first men’s World Cup victory since 1966 when England beat West Germany 4-2, allowing supporters across the country to celebrate the achievement.
According to the reported plans, the additional bank holiday would most likely fall on Friday 24 July, giving the squad time to return from the United States and allowing the Football Association to organise a victory parade through central London.
The World Cup final is scheduled to take place on Sunday 19 July at the Met Life stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Irish fans will no doubt remember it as the site of their 1-0 win over Italy in their opening match at the 1994 World Cup in the USA.
Speaking about the possibility, Sir Keir stopped short of confirming the plans before England’s campaign reaches its conclusion. Reports indicate that Downing Street is prepared to announce the additional bank holiday if England are crowned world champions.
England’s route through the knockout stages remains challenging. As they prepare for a quarter-final against Norway in Miami, victory would likely set up a semi-final meeting with reigning world champions Argentina.
Sir Keir is expected to travel to the United States should England reach the final.
The Prime Minister also revealed that he had received requests to intervene following defender Jarell Quansah’s red card against Mexico, with some supporters urging him to ask FIFA to overturn the decision.
However, he confirmed that the UK government did raise concerns through diplomatic channels over a proposed change to the kick-off time for England’s match against Mexico, arguing that moving the fixture could have given the host nation an unfair advantage. The match ultimately took place at its originally scheduled time.
If England win the World Cup, the proposed bank holiday would become one of the country’s largest national sporting celebrations in decades.
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