Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has plans in place to attend the World Cup final in the United States should England defeat Argentina on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. The Labour Government is also expected to announce plans for a conditional bank holiday on Friday, July 24, if the Three Lions win the World Cup this summer.
Starmer's Travel Plans and Resignation Timeline
According to The Times, Starmer has last-minute arrangements to travel to the final in New York if England beats their South American rivals. His journey will occur just hours before he formally submits his resignation to the King, having declared last month his intention to step down as Labour Party leader.
The compressed schedule is possible due to the time difference. With kick-off at 3pm local time (8pm BST), the final whistle should sound by 11pm UK time. Starmer will then head to Newark Liberty Airport for a seven-hour overnight flight back to London. Upon landing, he will deliver his farewell speech on the steps of Downing Street before traveling to Buckingham Palace to advise that Andy Burnham should form the next government.
Conditional Bank Holiday for World Cup Victory
Should England triumph over Argentina, the government will reportedly unveil proposals for a provisional bank holiday on Friday, July 24, which would only proceed if England secures World Cup glory. Scheduling it for that date would allow businesses adequate preparation time and would likely align with the squad's victory parade.
Starmer was questioned earlier this month at the Nato summit about whether he would grant a bank holiday if England claims the trophy. He said: "On the question of a bank holiday, I don't want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final."
England's Road to the Semifinal
Thomas Tuchel's side are on the brink of becoming only the second senior England team to reach a men's World Cup final, following the Three Lions' historic 1966 victory on home turf. However, reigning champions Argentina and talismanic Lionel Messi, who has already scored eight goals at this year's tournament, stand in their way.
The Three Lions cruised through Group L as the top side and overcame a tricky knockout route. They came from behind to beat DR Congo in the last 32 and secured a thrilling 3-2 win over tournament co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca in the last 16. Tuchel's men again had to come from behind as they edged past Norway in extra time in the quarter-finals to set up the clash with Messi. It is the first competitive meeting with Argentina since the 2002 World Cup and Messi's first outing against England in his career.
Starmer's Previous Interventions for England Matches
Starmer recently intervened to prevent attempts to alter the kick-off time for England's World Cup clash with Mexico, amid concerns it would hand the hosts an unfair advantage. He also acted to permit pubs to remain open until 5am so supporters could watch the match.
