Starmer hints at bank holiday if England win World Cup

The final match of the 2026 World Cup will take place on Sunday 19 July

The prime minister has given a heavy hint that there will be an extra bank holiday if England win the World Cup.

Thomas Tuchel's team will play Norway in the quarter-finals on Saturday night.

The final will take place in New Jersey a week on Sunday, on 19 July.

It is widely expected Sir Keir Starmer will step down as prime minister the day after, to be replaced by Andy Burnham.

Should England make the final, it would be likely the prime minister would go to the game, which could briefly delay the handover of power.

As for the idea of an extra day off for people in England were the team to win the World Cup, Sir Keir said: "On the question of a bank holiday, I think I don't want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final."

It is understood the extra bank holiday would be on the Friday following England's triumph - 24 July.

There is, though, the not insignificant matter of England winning a quarter-final, semi-final and final first.

Do you have any views, comments or questions about this story?

Chris Sutton's World Cup quarter-final predictions

'Your boys took a hell of a beating' - England and Norway's football rivalry