Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to announce a bank holiday if England win the World Cup this summer, according to The Guardian. The planned day off would allow the nation to celebrate what would be the men’s team’s first World Cup triumph since 1966.
Quick Facts
Announcement: Expected if England win the World Cup final
Proposed Date: Friday 24 July 2026
World Cup Final: Sunday 19 July 2026, MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
Parade: Open-top bus parade through central London planned
Starmer’s Quote: "I don't want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final."
Bank Holiday Plans
The bank holiday would likely fall on Friday 24 July, giving Thomas Tuchel's squad time to return from the United States and the Football Association a window to arrange an open-top bus parade through central London. The final takes place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday 19 July.
Although Starmer would be expected to attend the final if England progress, he will no longer be in office by the time of the celebrations. His expected successor, Andy Burnham, would then host captain Harry Kane and the squad at No. 10 Downing Street.
"On the question of a bank holiday, I think I don't want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final," Starmer said.
Downing Street insiders indicated he would make the formal announcement if England lift the trophy.
England's World Cup Journey
England face Norway in the quarter-finals in Miami on Saturday, with a potential semi-final clash against reigning champions Argentina awaiting the winner. France are the bookmakers' favourites to win the tournament.
Starmer confirmed he had received requests to lobby FIFA, as Donald Trump did for the US team, to overturn the red card shown to defender Jarell Quansah against Mexico, but declined to do so. He did, however, intervene diplomatically to block a proposed schedule change that would have brought England's match against Mexico forward, a move that was perceived as an attempt to hand the hosts an unfair advantage.
After talks with Norway's prime minister at the NATO summit in Ankara, Starmer said: "For 90 minutes on Saturday evening, we'll have to go our different ways."
Key Takeaways
- Keir Starmer is poised to declare a bank holiday if England win the 2026 World Cup, with Friday 24 July the most likely date.
- The holiday would allow time for an open-top bus parade in London to celebrate the team's first World Cup win in 60 years.
- Starmer refused to emulate Donald Trump by lobbying FIFA over a red card, but did intervene to maintain England's schedule integrity.
- England must first beat Norway in the quarter-finals, with a potential semi-final against Argentina on the horizon.
- If successful, the trophy presentation and celebrations would be overseen by Starmer's successor, Andy Burnham.
