The UK government has formally announced that no additional bank holiday will be provided on Monday for England's World Cup last-16 match against co-hosts Mexico, despite the 1am kick-off time. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson confirmed that pupils should still attend school, while Communities Secretary Steve Reed called on local authorities to allow pubs to stay open longer for the fixture.
Government Position on Bank Holiday
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government stated it would be 'backing the England team all the way' but noted that 'the current pattern of bank and public holidays is well established.' The match, scheduled for Monday morning, follows Harry Kane's two-goal heroics against DR Congo that propelled Thomas Tuchel's side into the last-16.
Prime Minister's Comments on Future Holiday
At the G7 summit in France, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hinted that a new bank holiday could be possible if England wins the World Cup, but he stopped short of a firm commitment. 'I'm not going to jinx the World Cup. But, you know, the last time we won the World Cup, it was a Labour government. And so it's absolutely clear that we only win World Cups under a Labour government. So let's hope that this is the next opportunity,' he said.
Precedent from Scotland and Previous Tournaments
Scotland already benefited from an additional bank holiday for this World Cup, following the Scottish Government's declaration of an extra day off on Monday, June 15, to mark the Scottish national team's first World Cup appearance in decades. In contrast, no bank holiday was granted in 2022 when England's women won the Euros, nor after their 2025 Euros victory. Starmer had previously championed a bank holiday for the Lionesses' 2023 World Cup campaign, but they lost 1-0 to Spain in the final.
Extended Pub Hours for Fans
While no bank holiday was granted, the government confirmed extended licensing hours for pubs to show the fixture. Sir Keir said: 'Football might be coming home, but we're making sure fans don't have to. Pubs staying open till the final whistle is good news for supporters and good news for the pubs and venues that bring our communities together.'
