Keir Starmer hints at a bank holiday if England win World Cup

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer used a press briefing at the NATO summit in Ankara on Wednesday to signal that he could add a one‑off public holiday if England win the 2026 World Cup. The remark – “I think I don’t want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final” – was captured by the BBC, the New York Times, the Express and a host of other outlets.

"I think I don’t want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final."

Media additions

Keir Starmer, Prime Minister, via BBC News

Starmer’s comment arrived at the height of England’s quarter‑final run. After a 3‑2 victory over Mexico, the Three Lions were set to face Norway in Miami on Saturday night. A win would see them move on to a semi‑final against either Argentina or Switzerland, with the final scheduled for Sunday 19 July at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

The prospect of a bank holiday has quickly become a point of parliamentary and media debate. An early‑year motion tabled on 5 January 2026 and signed by 16 MPs proposes that Monday 20 July – the day after the final – be designated an extra bank holiday. The motion, recorded on the UK Parliament website, argues that a victory “would be a rare national moment” and that a day off would “strengthen community spirit”.

By contrast, most of the press corps – the Express, the Mirror, the BBC, Metro and several online outlets – have settled on Friday 24 July as the likely date. That would place the holiday five days after the final, allowing time for a victory parade and for the country to organise celebrations without the pressure of immediate notice.

The financial impact of an additional day off has already been floated. The Express cited a government estimate that an extra bank holiday would cost the economy £2.4 billion. LBC’s analysis echoed the figure and noted that the pattern of bank and public holidays in the UK is “well established”, pointing out that extra days have usually been reserved for royal occasions such as the late Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral and King Charles III’s coronation.

Starmer’s hint also revives a historic link between Labour governments and England’s lone World Cup triumph. In 1966, a Labour administration under Harold Wilson saw the Three Lions lift the trophy at Wembley. During the NATO summit, Starmer exchanged a light‑hearted moment with Norway’s prime minister Jonas Gahr Støre, reminding him that Norway’s 1981 qualifying win over England had been a “hell of a beating” and quipping that England only win World Cups under Labour.

The political backdrop adds further intrigue. Starmer announced his intention to resign on June 22, less than two years after winning a comprehensive victory in the 2024 general election. The Labour leadership contest formally starts on July 9, with nominations for Starmer’s successor due to close on July 15. Andy Burnham, former mayor of Greater Manchester, is expected to be the sole candidate and is slated to take office the day after the World Cup final – 20 July. If the Friday 24 July holiday is adopted, it would be Starmer’s “last full day” in Downing Street, a detail highlighted by London Loves Business.

While the government has not issued a formal commitment, the Department for Business and Trade told LBC that “the current pattern of bank and public holidays is well established”.

Beyond Westminster, the holiday idea has sparked a wave of public anticipation. Pubs across England reported soaring takings after the 3‑2 win over Mexico.

What remains unclear is exactly when – or if – the extra day will be confirmed. The motion for Monday 20 July is already on record, but the preponderance of media speculation points to Friday 24 July as the more practical choice.

All eyes will be on the quarter‑final clash with Norway on Saturday. A win would propel England to the semi‑finals. If the Three Lions reach the final on 19 July, the government is expected to issue a formal statement within days, outlining whether a holiday will be declared and which date will be chosen.