[category]
[title]
If anyone thought the nation’s love for Jude Bellingham had reached its peak, Saturday night proved that love can only reach greater heights. The lyrics to ‘Hey Jude’ were belted from pubs and living rooms up and down the country after the 23-year-old number 10 secured England’s place in the World Cup semi-finals with two goals at critical moments against Norway.
After that 120-minute nail-biter of a match, now there’s one question on England fans’ minds: can the Three Lions take home the trophy for the first time since 1966? And better yet, if they do win it, will be get a bank holiday to celebrate?
Should the Three Lions win their semi final against Argentina and win the weekend’s final, a day off work feels about right, doesn’t it? Here’s everything we know so far about the potential bank holiday if England win the World Cup.
2026 World Cup Final date
The final of the 2026 World Cup will take place on Sunday July 19 at 8pm.
As for who we’ll see on the pitch in the final, the final two teams in the tournament are still to be decided in the semi-finals. France play Spain at 8pm on Tuesday July 14 ahead of England’s match versus Argentina at 8pm on Wednesday July 15.
Potential date for a Bank Holiday
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has hinted at the possibility of a bank holiday if England are crowned victorious. Asked about it, he said he didn’t want to ‘jinx it’ and told reporters to ‘ask me again if we get to the final’. But, according to the Guardian, Downing Street insiders have indicated that the PM would announce a day off if England won.
Friday July 24 has been earmarked as the likely date of the public holiday, as it would give the team enough time to make it home from the final and the Football Association a few days to arrange an open-top bus parade through central London.
Will all of the UK get a bank holiday?
The short answer is: we’re not sure yet. Bank holidays vary between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland so it’s possible that only people in England would get the additional day off. Scotland has already held one bank holiday because of the tournament on June 15, the day after their team’s opening World Cup game against Haiti.
Odds of England winning the World Cup
At the time of writing, the odds are favouring Argentina. The South American team’s odds of claiming victory are 21/10, while England’s are 7/4.
France are the narrow favourite to win over Spain in the semis on Tuesday night.
Did you see that the best beer in Britain has been crowned for 2026?
Plus: new images have been revealed of the UK’s newest major arena.
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out London newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox.