As FIFA fever grips football lovers, the West Bengal government has declared a holiday for school students on Monday, allowing them to stay up and watch the blockbuster clash between Argentina and Spain, which kicks off after midnight.
In a statement, the Directorate of School Education in Bengal directed morning schools to relax attendance requirements or declare a holiday in view of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.
“In view of the fact that the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Spain and Argentina kicks off on Timings India (IST): Monday, July 20 at 12:30 AM. morning schools may thus relax attendance or declare holiday,” the statement read.
When Does FIFA Final Match Begin?
The final, scheduled to begin at 12.30 am IST on July 20, will see defending
champions Argentina chase a fourth World Cup title and a second consecutive triumph.
Mizarom Declares School Holiday
Besides Bengal, Mizoram and Kerala have announced school holidays for tomorrow. Mizoram has declared a full holiday on Monday for all schools, colleges and other educational institutions, while government offices will function only from the afternoon, to enable people to watch the final.
Meanwhile, government offices, except banking institutions, will observe a half-holiday and remain closed during the forenoon. They will resume functioning from 1 pm to 5 pm, an office memorandum issued by the General Administration Department said.
School Holiday In Kerala
In Kerala, the holiday for schools under the General Education Department was declared after considering the requests from students who are football enthusiasts.
Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan wrote on social media: “As Keralam catches the ultimate football fever ahead of the grand Argentina-Spain finale. To ensure our young fans can enjoy the midnight thriller without worrying about school or college the next morning, the Government has declared a holiday for all educational institutions tomorrow. Stay up, cheer out loud, and enjoy the game.”
