Changes to UK bank holidays have been confirmed by the government after Sir Keir Starmer hinted at the possibility of a day off if England win the World Cup.

Having recorded a historic win against Mexico in Mexico City earlier this week, the Three Lions take on Norway on Saturday evening (10pm, July 11) for a spot in the semi-finals. Should England beat a Norwegian team led by Erling Haaland, and either Switzerland or Argentina in the last four, they will play in their first men’s World Cup final since 1966 on Sunday, July 19.

And that is exactly when fans should be asking the Prime Minister for a bank holiday, he said — if Thomas Tuchel’s side adds a second star to the England badge.

Lifelong football fan Starmer hailed Monday’s win over Mexico as ‘one of the best England performances I’ve ever seen’. Asked whether he would back a bank holiday if England managed to win the tournament, Sir Keir told reporters at Wednesday’s Nato conference: “I don’t want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final.”

With the final taking place on Sunday July 19, it is thought the following Friday (July 24) has been earmarked as the most likely date for a celebratory bank holiday.

However, if England doesn't win the World Cup, or if a special bank holiday is not granted by the government, then workers across the UK won’t have to wait too long for their next long weekend.

That’s because Britain’s first bank holiday after the World Cup closes is set for August 3, as Scots enjoy their summer bank holiday. England, Wales, and Northern Ireland can look forward to the summer bank holiday on August 31.

The next bank holiday in 2026 is again in Scotland, on November 30 for St Andrew’s Day. Then, the whole country will enjoy the customary two days off for Christmas Day and Boxing Day bank holidays.

But while the Christmas Day bank holiday falls on December 25 itself, the Boxing Day bank holiday will move to December 28, as December 26 is a Saturday this year.

As usual, the whole country will take New Year’s Day off on January 1, 2027, and the Scots will also celebrate January 2 — but again, this has been moved to January 4, as the traditional date falls on a Saturday in 2027.