England have made it through to the quarter finals of the 2026 World Cup, sparking speculation about whether the nation could receive an extra bank holiday if the team wins the tournament. The Three Lions are set to face Norway in their quarter-final tie this Saturday, July 11, at Miami Stadium in Florida, with kick-off scheduled for 10pm BST. Victory would advance them to the semi-finals on Tuesday or Wednesday, July 14 or 15, with the final taking place on Sunday, July 19.
Current Bank Holiday Entitlements
Each year, England and Wales recognise eight bank holidays, with exceptions for special occasions. In 2022, the UK was granted two additional bank holidays – one on June 3 for Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee and another on September 19 for her funeral. Northern Ireland and Scotland enjoy more, with ten and nine bank holidays respectively. Scotland also had an extra holiday on Monday, June 15, 2026, to celebrate their World Cup participation.
Globally, India has the most bank holidays at 21, while Mexico has the fewest, with just seven. Historically, the UK once had as many as 33 official holidays, but the Bank Holidays Act of 1871 reduced and codified the number.
Could a World Cup Win Trigger a Holiday?
Under UK law, full-time workers are entitled to 28 days of paid annual leave for a five-day week, including bank holidays. However, any additional bank holiday would require government action. The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) stated: “We are supporting the England team and hope to see them succeed. England’s pattern of bank and public holidays are well established, and therefore any proposals for additional bank holidays must undergo careful consideration.”
With the final on Sunday, July 19, speculation suggests a potential bank holiday on Monday, July 20, but the government has not confirmed this. The remaining 2026 bank holidays in England include the Summer bank holiday on Monday, August 31, Christmas Day on Friday, December 25, and Boxing Day (substitute) on Monday, December 28.
