Right, let's not jinx it. But also… let's absolutely talk about it.
England are through to the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup, having beaten Mexico 3-2 in a genuinely nail-biting last-16 tie filled with penalties and even a red card. The Three Lions face Norway on Saturday evening — yes, that Norway, the one with Golden Boot hopeful Erling Haaland — and if Tuchel's boys can pull it off, we could be looking at a semi-final against Argentina or Switzerland, and then… the final on Sunday 19th July at 8pm.
Sixty years of hurt could all be undone — and not only by the win. Yes, now there's talk of an extra bank holiday.
Fanzone 4D will be cheering England on to victory at their impressive screenings across London.
So, Is An Extra Bank Holiday Actually Happening?
Here's where it gets murky. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been doing his best coy-but-hopeful routine, hinting at the NATO summit that a bank holiday could be on the cards if England lift the trophy, while simultaneously refusing to commit to anything in case he jinxes it.
Reports suggest that Friday 24th July has been earmarked as the most likely date for a celebratory bank holiday — timed to coincide with what would presumably be a very chaotic, very wonderful open-top bus parade through the streets of London.
There's even a parliamentary motion on the table calling for Monday 20th July to be designated an additional bank holiday in the event of an England win. The motion describes it as "a rare national moment likely to bring together families, neighbours and communities across the country" — and honestly, who are we to argue with that?
The British Beer and Pub Association are already calling it "a dream come true for publicans." We're calling it a dream come true for all of us.
The government's official line? They're "backing the England team all the way" but that "the current pattern of bank and public holidays is well established." So: not a no. Not a yes. Very much a watch this space.
What We Do Know
- 🏆 The World Cup final is Sunday 19th July at 8pm BST — so you'll be watching it, obviously
- 🍺 Pubs have already been given extended licensing hours for key England matches
- 📅 A bank holiday on Friday 24th July is the frontrunner date if England win, lined up alongside a victory parade
- 🏴 Scotland already got a bank holiday just for qualifying — so the precedent is very much there
- 🤫 Starmer is reportedly nearing the end of his premiership, meaning this could be one of his last acts as PM — no pressure
Why This Matters For Your Nights Out
So, we're not here to talk politics. We're here to talk about what a bonus bank holiday actually means for you and your social life.
It means a long weekend. A very, very long weekend. One where the entire country has an excuse to be in a pub garden, clinking pints and wearing questionable bucket hats.
It means spontaneous plans. Last-minute bookings. Bottomless brunches that stretch into the afternoon. Rooftop bars packed with people who can't quite believe what just happened. Cocktails named after Harry Kane. Probably a lot of renditions of Hey Jude being sung in places that really weren't designed for it.
It means the hospitality industry — the pubs, the bars, the restaurants, the venues that have been through a lot — gets a massive, well-deserved boost. And, it means you get to be part of something genuinely historic.
Start Planning Now (Just In Case)
We're not saying book your table for a victory party right this second. But we're also not not saying that.
England still need to beat Norway on Saturday, navigate a semi-final, and then win the whole thing. There are hurdles. There are Haalands. But the dream is alive, and if it comes true?
You're going to want a plan.
Keep an eye on DesignMyNight for the best places to watch the quarter-final, semi-final, and — dare we say it — the final. We'll be rounding up the top pub screenings, fan zones, and celebration spots across the UK faster than you can say "it's coming home."
Because if England do it? The party starts immediately. And we'll make sure you know exactly where to go.
