King Charles Proclaims Bank Holiday in Scotland for World Cup

King Charles has proclaimed Monday, June 15, 2026, as a bank holiday in Scotland to celebrate the men's national football team's qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking the country's return to the tournament after 28 years.

The declaration, issued from Buckingham Palace on February 3, 2026, follows advice from First Minister John Swinney and comes in recognition of Scotland's achievement in securing a spot at the finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The holiday falls the day after the team's opening group stage match against Haiti, scheduled for Sunday, June 14, with kickoff at 2 a.m. UK time. Scotland qualified with a 4-2 victory over Denmark at Hampden Park on November 18, 2024, sealed by late goals from Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean.

In the royal proclamation, under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971, the monarch stated that the day was being appointed "to mark the achievement of Scotland's men's football team competing at the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 28 years." The last appearance was in 1998. Swinney, who requested the additional holiday, described it as an opportunity for the nation to unite in celebration. "It's now official....