Scotland will mark its long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup with an official bank holiday for public sector workers, First Minister John Swinney has announced.
A Nation on Pause for the Tartan Army
Monday 15 June 2026 will be a designated day off for all Scottish government employees, with private businesses across the country encouraged to follow suit. The move celebrates Scotland qualifying for their first World Cup finals in 28 years, having last appeared in the 1998 tournament in France.
The holiday is scheduled for the day after Scotland's opening group match against Haiti in Boston, which kicks off at 2am UK time on Sunday 14 June. The proposal requires formal sign-off by the King.
Extended Pub Hours for Late-Night Kick-Offs
Addressing the nation's unique challenge of late-night fixtures, Swinney confirmed he is also considering extending pub opening hours. This would allow supporters to gather and watch the matches in a communal setting.
"The whole nation will come to a standstill in June," Swinney stated during an announcement in Glasgow. He added with characteristic optimism, "even more so in July once we’ve seen off Brazil and progressed to the knockout stages."
He framed the occasion as a monumental opportunity, stating: "This is a moment 28 years in the waiting. I want as many people as possible to share the occasion... to attract business development, to create tourism and hospitality interest within the country."
Scotland's Full Group Stage Schedule
Steve Clarke's side face a challenging Group B schedule, all played in North American time zones affecting UK viewing:
- vs Haiti: Sunday 14 June, 2am (UK), Boston.
- vs Brazil: Late June, 11pm (UK), Miami.
- vs Morocco: Late June, 11pm (UK), Boston.
The 2026 World Cup is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. England, who are in a separate group, will play their matches at more viewer-friendly times for UK audiences, with kick-offs at 9pm and 10pm.
This bank holiday represents a significant moment of national celebration, aiming to unite the country behind the Tartan Army as they step onto the world's biggest sporting stage for the first time in a generation.
