Outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has suggested England could be rewarded with a national bank holiday if the Three Lions go on to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to SPORTbible.

England booked their place in the quarter-finals after a dramatic 3-2 victory over co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium on Sunday. Starmer praised the performance, calling it “one of the best England performances I’ve ever seen,” as Thomas Tuchel’s side moved within three wins of ending the nation’s 60-year wait for World Cup glory.

Starmer leaves the door open

Starmer’s comments represent a significant change in tone compared to previous occasions when he resisted calls for bank holidays following major sporting successes.

He previously declined to introduce a public holiday after the Lionesses won consecutive Women’s European Championships and also refused requests for a bank holiday to allow supporters to watch England’s 1am World Cup clash with Mexico, although pub opening hours were extended until 5am.

Read also: The real reason Erling Haaland has become football's biggest star revealed

However, when asked about the possibility of a bank holiday if England lift the World Cup, Starmer appeared far more open to the idea.

Speaking to reporters at the NATO summit, he said: “On the question of a bank holiday, I think I don’t want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final.”

Scotland already set a precedent

A World Cup-related public holiday has already been approved elsewhere in the UK.

Scotland was granted a bank holiday in June to mark the national team’s opening match against Haiti, celebrating their first World Cup appearance in 28 years. The proposal, put forward by First Minister John Swinney, received approval from King Charles.

Read also: “Significant milestone”: Manchester United reveal site for new 100,000-seat stadium

A final decision before leaving office?

According to SPORTbible, any bank holiday announcement could come during Starmer’s final days as Prime Minister.

The Labour leader is expected to be replaced by former Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham shortly after the World Cup final, which is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium. The BBC reports that Starmer is expected to attend the final if England qualify, with speculation suggesting the transition of power could even be delayed should the Three Lions reach the showpiece event.

If England become world champions, Friday, July 24, is reportedly being discussed as a possible date for an additional bank holiday.

England’s route to the trophy

England must first overcome Norway in the quarter-finals.

Read also: Amorim apologises to Manchester United fans: “I made some mistakes”

Victory would set up a semi-final against either Argentina or Switzerland in Atlanta on July 15, while a potential final could see them face one of:

• France

• Morocco

• Spain

• Belgium

With England chasing their first World Cup title since 1966, the possibility of a nationwide celebration has added even more excitement to their quest for football’s biggest prize.

Read also: Zidane’s final act still haunts football 20 years later