Prime Minister Keir Starmer has hinted that the UK could receive an additional bank holiday should England win the World Cup. The final is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, and the most probable date for a celebratory bank holiday is Friday, July 24, according to reports.
Starmer's cautious optimism
When asked about the possibility of a bank holiday at Wednesday's NATO conference, Starmer said: "I don't want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final." He praised England's performance against Mexico as "one of the best England performances I've ever seen."
Proposed bank holiday dates
An early-day motion tabled on January 5, 2026, signed by 16 MPs, proposed Monday, July 20, as the bank holiday should England win. The motion states that a World Cup victory would be "a rare national moment" and that an additional bank holiday would allow people to celebrate together, strengthening community spirit.
England's quarter-final clash with Norway
England face Norway in the quarter-final on Saturday, with thousands of fans expected to travel to Miami. A win would bring England closer to their first World Cup triumph in 60 years.
Starmer's banter with Norwegian PM
At the NATO summit in Ankara, Starmer exchanged light-hearted banter with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, reminding him that England only win the World Cup under a Labour government. Starmer said: "I'm a good friend of his. The Norway-UK relationship is as strong as it's ever been... But for 90 minutes on Saturday evening, we'll have to go our different ways."
No intervention on red card
Starmer also confirmed he resisted calls to overturn Jarell Quansah's red card against Mexico, despite Donald Trump persuading FIFA to suspend US player Folarin Balogun's suspension. Starmer said: "I can't tell you how many messages I've had to rescind the red card... I hasten to add, I haven't attempted to do that."
