A debate has erupted in the UK over whether to grant the country an extra day off in the event of the national team's triumph at the upcoming FIFA World Cup. British authorities are seriously considering introducing a Bank Holiday to celebrate a potential first title in six decades.
The idea is not new: Prime Minister Keir Starmer has previously hinted at the possibility of such a move following major sporting successes. Similar discussions took place after England reached the finals of Euro 2020 and Euro 2024, but victory did not come. Now, against the backdrop of the team's performance at the 2026 World Cup, public pressure on the government has intensified — officials understand that the scale of street celebrations will paralyze office work anyway.
The Economic Cost of the Holiday
Despite the fans' delight, the initiative has sparked sharp debates in the business community. Each additional public holiday costs the country nearly £3 billion due to the halt in production and logistics chains. However, experts note that the service sector — pubs, restaurants, hotels, and souvenir manufacturers — will see record profits, which could partially offset the overall losses.
Who Makes the Decision?
Formally, the decision to introduce a Bank Holiday must be approved by royal decree, but the final word rests with Downing Street. For now, the whole country is watching the decisive matches of the "Three Lions" with bated breath.
Recall that the World Cup is currently at the quarter-final stage — England's next opponent will be Norway. Meanwhile, Donetsk Shakhtar defender Valeriy Bondar has already made his prediction regarding the possible finalists of the tournament.
