In England, fans of the Three Lions are hoping and praying that Thomas Tuchel’s men can finally end 60 years of hurt this summer and bring the trophy home.
England manager Thomas Tuchel
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Scotland have Bank Holiday approved
Scotland will play in their first World Cup match since 1998 in the early hours of Sunday June 14, taking on minnows Haiti at Gillette Stadium near Boston.
Scotland fans will enjoy a Bank Holiday after their team’s first group game at the World Cup
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With the game kicking off at 2am UK time, First Minister John Swinney suggested the one-off bank holiday to give fans time to “recover” before going back to work on Monday.
Mr Swinney said: “Scotland will be on the world stage this summer and I want as many people as possible to be able to celebrate that moment.
“We want to make the most of Scotland’s participation in this global sporting event by ensuring people have the opportunity to come together and celebrate – no matter the outcome of the match.”
John Swinney
PA Wire
The idea has received approval from King Charles, meaning thousands can watch without worrying about a sleepy start on Monday morning.
Not everyone in Scotland will recognise the bank holiday however, with schools and many workplaces remaining open and expecting pupils and employees to come in.
So will England get a Bank Holiday too?
England have never before been granted a Bank Holiday for a World Cup match.
However, should England win their group and progress, there is a possibility of a Sunday 1am kick-off in the last 16.
The precedent set with Scotland’s Bank Holiday will give fans hope of an unheard of World Cup Bank Holiday.
England fans celebrated after the Lionesses won the Euros – but didn’t get a Bank Holiday
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And should England win the tournament?
A government spokesperson told the BBC: “The current pattern of public and bank holidays is well established, and there are no plans to change this.”
This time around, Early Day Motions have been submitted by MPs to the House of Commons, appealing for a holiday to allow the country to celebrate.
England players in training ahead of the World Cup
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One motion reads: “A World Cup victory by England would be a rare national moment likely to bring together families, neighbours and communities across the country, including through local celebrations in town centres, community venues and grassroots sports clubs.
“Enabling people to celebrate together would strengthen community spirit and provide an opportunity for shared civic pride.”
The proposal calls on the Government, in the event of England winning the World Cup, to designate Monday 20 July 2026 as an additional bank holiday.
Labour MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy
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“An England World Cup victory would be a once in a lifetime moment. And a Bank Holiday to mark it would be a small but unifying way for the nation to come together and celebrate.”
