British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has signaled the possibility of declaring a public holiday should England's national football team win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be held in North and Central America.
According to local media including the BBC and The Guardian, Starmer was asked by reporters on the 8th whether he planned to designate a Bank Holiday in the event of a victory. "I don't want to create a jinx," he said, adding, "Ask me again if we reach the final." Local media interpreted the remarks as effectively signaling his intention to declare a public holiday if the team wins.
The Guardian, citing an official from the prime minister's office, reported that Starmer is considering announcing a temporary public holiday should England actually win. The most likely date at present is the 24th, the Friday of the week following the final on the 19th. The schedule reflects the time needed for the team's return home and preparations for an open-top bus parade through central London.
Only 8 Public Holidays a Year in UK — Will a Title After 60 Years Be an Exception?
The UK has only eight statutory public holidays per year, among the fewest of any major country. Additional holidays have been designated on a temporary basis only for events of great national significance, such as the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II or the coronation of King Charles III.
England, the birthplace of football, has not reached the top for 60 years since winning its only World Cup title in 1966 on home soil. The team, led by manager Thomas Tuchel, advanced to the quarterfinals by defeating Mexico 3-2, and will face Norway on the 11th for a place in the semifinals. If they overcome Norway, they are likely to clash with Argentina, though locally France is regarded as the strongest title contender in this tournament.
Starmer is also known to be considering traveling to the United States to watch the match in person should England reach the final. However, by the time victory celebrations take place, he may have already stepped down from the premiership. He recently announced his intention to resign following a defeat in local elections, and if the process to elect a new Labour Party leader proceeds as scheduled, his successor is likely to invite the team to the prime minister's official residence to host a welcoming event.
Designating a Temporary Holiday During World Cup Season — Korea Was No Exception
There have been no shortage of cases in which temporary public holidays were designated in line with World Cup achievements. Korea, too, during the 2002 World Cup co-hosted with Japan, designated the day after the tournament's closing as a temporary public holiday regardless of whether the team reached the final, continuing a nationwide festival atmosphere.
Similar cases followed in this tournament as well. Paraguay declared last month's 30th a national holiday after defeating Germany to secure a place in the round of 16, and Ecuador likewise designated the following day a temporary public holiday after clinching a spot in the knockout stage with a victory over Germany.
