An additional bank holiday has been officially confirmed for Scotland on Monday, 15 June 2026, following approval from King Charles. This special day off marks a historic moment for Scottish football: the national men’s team’s first World Cup appearance in nearly three decades.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted across the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Scotland’s opening match takes place in Boston, where they will face Haiti at 2 a.m. UK time on Sunday, 14 June.
Buckingham Palace issued the official proclamation, with King Charles stating his approval “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 proclamation formally designates Monday, 15 June 2026, as a bank holiday in Scotland.
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First Minister John Swinney highlighted the significance of the occasion: “This year, we want to make the most of this huge opportunity for Scotland and ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to celebrate the team’s success.” He emphasized that the bank holiday allows everyone to come together regardless of the match outcome.
However, not everyone welcomed the move. Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser criticized the decision, suggesting that it prioritized “easy headlines” over practical considerations, and questioned who would truly benefit from the extra day off.
The Scottish Government reiterated its support for the holiday, encouraging local councils to be flexible about school closures to maximize community participation in the celebrations.