King Charles III Approves Scotland World Cup Bank Holiday

King Charles III has approved a national bank holiday on Monday 15 June 2026 for Scotland. The holiday applies only to Scotland, leaving England without a similar day.

The holiday was proposed by First Minister John Swinney to enable celebrations after Scotland's opening match against Haiti. Scotland's opening game against Haiti is scheduled for 2 am BST on Sunday 14 June.

Scotland's qualification marks the men's team's first World Cup appearance since 1998. Qualification was secured after a win over Denmark in November, with Steve Clarke as manager.

John Swinney said he is grateful to King Charles III for the proclamation and urged employers to allow staff to join celebrations. He highlighted Kenny McLean's injury‑time goal from the halfway line that sealed Scotland's World Cup place.

The UK parliament has tabled a motion for a bank holiday in England on Monday 20 July 2026, conditional on England winning the World Cup. England's first World Cup match is set for 17 June against Croatia at 9 pm BST.