Outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is considering an extra public bank holiday if England wins the 2026 FIFA World Cup final scheduled on July 19, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. England will face Norway in the quarter-finals on July 11, aiming to reach the final later that month [1, 2, 3].
The proposed extra bank holiday would likely fall on Friday, July 24, allowing time for the team’s return and public celebrations [2, 3]. Starmer, however, declined to make a formal commitment, saying, "I don't want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final" [1, 2, 3].
The timing of the possible bank holiday coincides with a political transition. Starmer plans to step down in mid-July, and Andy Burnham is expected to succeed him as prime minister, potentially making any victory celebration under a new leader [1, 2, 3].
Extra bank holidays have been granted in the UK for major events in recent years, such as the 2023 coronation and after Queen Elizabeth II's death in 2022, despite economic costs [1]. The UK currently has eight annual bank holidays, fewer than the European Union average of 12.8, though an extra bank holiday is estimated to cost around £2.4 billion in economic impact against the UK’s £2.8 trillion GDP [1].
Beyond the bank holiday discussion, Starmer declined to intervene with FIFA over a red card given to England defender Jarell Quansah and opposed a proposed kickoff time change for England's Round of 16 match against Mexico [3].
England’s last World Cup win was 60 years ago, in 1966 [1, 3]. The quarter-final game against Norway on July 11 will be a key test on the road to the July 19 final [1, 2, 3].
Labour leadership nominations opened on July 9, with Andy Burnham as the sole declared candidate, who is expected to become party leader by July 17 and prime minister on July 20 [1]. The potential bank holiday would be observed on July 24 if England wins the final [2, 3].
