Speaking at the 2026 NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, on Wednesday 8 July, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer praised England’s recent victory over Mexico and suggested he would consider a bank holiday if the Three Lions were to lift the World Cup trophy.
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Both a victory parade and public holiday are understood to be under consideration, which would provide a further boost for pubs following strong trading throughout the tournament.
The comments come after Scotland held a bank holiday on 15 June following the team’s opening World Cup match against Haiti.
Jinx it
When asked whether he would consider doing the same if England won the tournament, Starmer told reporters: “Let’s see what happens if we get there, but on the question of a bank holiday, I don’t want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final.”
The potential bank holiday would reportedly be scheduled for the week after the final.
England have already progressed to the quarter-finals of the 2026 men’s FIFA World Cup after victories over DR Congo and Mexico.
They will next face Norway on Saturday 11 July, with a place in the semi-finals against either Argentina or Switzerland at stake.
A further victory would see the Three Lions reach the World Cup final on Sunday 19 July.
Beyond expectations
For pubs, the tournament has already proved to be a major trading success, with footfall and spending going beyond expectations.
Oxford Partnership data showed 5.7m pints of draught beer and cider were sold during England’s opening win over Croatia, with 5.4m pints poured during the draw with Panama.
Meanwhile, England’s victory over Mexico saw Stonegate serve 796,000 drinks in a single night – 355,000 more than a typical Sunday. Marston’s sold more than 120,000 drinks.
Andy Burnham is set to replace Starmer as leader of the Labour party on Friday 17 July after the Prime Minister’s resignation last month.
However, Burnham will not formally become Prime Minister until Monday 20 July, meaning Starmer will still have the power to announce a bank holiday if England were to win the tournament.
