The King has announced a special bank holiday on June 15 in honor of the World Cup, but not everyone will benefit from the day off.

Scottish residents will have a bank holiday on Monday, June 15, 2026, as a result of the nation qualifying for the men’s football World Cup for the first time in 28 years. Following Scotland’s opening match, First Minister John Swinney requested the day to be designated as an official holiday. The Scottish men’s national team will commence their campaign against Haiti on Sunday, June 14, with the match scheduled to start at 2 am UK time.

In response, Buckingham Palace stated on Wednesday that to acknowledge Scotland’s men’s football team participating in the Fifa World Cup after 28 years, Monday, June 15, 2026, would be designated a bank holiday in Scotland.

Under section 1(3) of the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971, Monday, June 15, 2026, has been officially declared a bank holiday in Scotland.

Mr. Swinney expressed his delight at the news, posting on X: “It’s now official. Scotland will have an additional bank holiday on Monday, June 15, to commemorate our return to the World Cup.”

While most X users appeared pleased with the announcement, some raised questions. One user queried the necessity of the holiday, suggesting it might be excessive for merely qualifying, especially in a tournament with expanded qualification opportunities. Another user criticized the decision as “utterly ludicrous,” prompting a response urging critics to relax and appreciate Scotland’s return to top-tier world football.