Bank Holiday if England Win World Cup Considered for July 24
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Adam
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Ministers are considering an additional bank holiday if England win the 2026 World Cup, with Friday, 24 July reported as the most likely date. No holiday has been officially announced and England must first overcome Argentina in the semi-final.
A bank holiday if England win the World Cup could be held on Friday, 24 July, five days after the tournament final, according to reports emerging from Westminster.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has indicated that the Government may consider an extra day off should the men’s team win the competition for the first time since 1966.
Asked about the prospect while attending a Nato summit, he said: “I don’t want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final.”
However, no decision has been confirmed. As of Wednesday, 15 July, the Government’s official bank holiday calendar does not include 24 July among the remaining 2026 holidays in England and Wales. The next scheduled bank holiday remains Monday, 31 August.
‘Big John’ Fisher also joined Good Morning Britain to discuss England’s World Cup prospects and the growing calls for a bank holiday if the team wins the tournament. The businessman and social media personality spoke about the national excitement surrounding England’s campaign and the possibility of giving supporters an extra day off to celebrate.
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England Face Argentina Before Possible Spain Final
England’s immediate focus is their World Cup semi-final against defending champions Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday, 15 July. Thomas Tuchel’s side reached the last four after defeating Norway 2-1 following extra time.
The winner will face Spain at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, 19 July. Spain secured their place in the final by beating France, while FIFA has confirmed that the showpiece match will take place on Sunday afternoon local time.
Reports suggest Friday, 24 July is being considered because it would give England’s players time to return from the United States and allow preparations for any official celebration. A victory parade in London has been raised as a possibility, although no route, date or public event has been announced.
For London residents and businesses, confirmation would require rapid planning. A weekday celebration could bring large crowds into central London and affect offices, shops, hospitality venues, public transport and council services. TfL and the Metropolitan Police have not announced any special arrangements linked to a potential World Cup victory.
There is also uncertainty over whether a holiday would cover only England and Wales or extend across the United Kingdom. Bank holiday arrangements vary between England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, meaning the territorial scope would need to be specified in any government announcement.
Scotland received an additional bank holiday on Monday, 15 June 2026 to mark its men’s team appearing at the World Cup for the first time in 28 years. The day was formally appointed by royal proclamation under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971.
Decision Could Pass to Incoming Prime Minister
Any final decision may coincide with a change in Downing Street. Sir Keir remains Prime Minister but is due to be succeeded by Andy Burnham, who is expected to take office on Monday, 20 July after securing overwhelming support from Labour MPs.
Burnham has not committed himself publicly to granting the holiday. The Standard reported that he declined to be drawn on the question when asked earlier in the tournament, while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said she would probably oppose an additional day off because of its cost and uneven effect on public and private-sector workers.
Even when a date is declared a bank holiday, workers do not automatically have a legal right to paid leave. Entitlement depends on an employee’s contract, and employers can count bank holidays within the statutory annual leave allowance. The Government’s guidance states that employers are not required to provide paid leave on bank or public holidays.
The position therefore remains conditional on England beating Argentina and then Spain. Any additional bank holiday would require a formal government decision and announcement, with the date, geographic coverage and arrangements still unconfirmed.
About the Journalist
Adam reports on London news, events and local developments. His coverage includes festivals, exhibitions, public announcements, community stories and important updates affecting people across the city. He aims to provide timely and accessible reporting on what is happening in London.
