Scotland to have national bank holiday after first World Cup fixture

First minister announces plan for bank holiday on Monday 15 June after opening game against Haiti

Football fans needn’t worry about the hangover when they celebrate, or otherwise, into the wee hours after Scotland’s first match in the 2026 World Cup – because the day after the 2am UK time fixture looks likely to be a national bank holiday there.

The first minister, John Swinney, announced that Monday 15 June will be designated a national bank holiday to mark Scotland’s participation in the tournament for the first time since 1998.