Prime Minister Hints at Bank Holiday if England Reaches World Cup Final

The prime minister told journalists in Ankara, Turkey, that he would revisit the question of a bank holiday if England reaches the World Cup final. He said he did not want to "jinx it" but added, "ask me again if we get to the final."

defeated Mexico 3-2 on Monday at the Azteca stadium despite playing with ten men for much of the second half and at an altitude of 7,000 feet. The team faces Norway in the quarter-final on Saturday in Miami.

Leaders are often reluctant to grant bank holidays because of the estimated £2.4 billion hit to the economy. The financial impact would be offset by higher spending, particularly in pubs, which see a 90 per cent boost on World Cup match days. Government officials have hinted the outgoing prime minister would authorise a national day off for celebrations.

GB News understands the most likely date for a bank holiday would be Friday, July 24. >"I thought we were fantastic the other night against Mexico, absolutely. " — Prime minister, July 8, 2026 (GB News) The prime minister also joked that England only wins the World Cup when Labour governments are in power.

If the holiday is granted, it would fall on the outgoing prime minister's final full day in office. The next prime minister is scheduled to take office on Monday, July 20.