Scotland will enjoy an official day off to mark its long-awaited return to football's biggest stage, with the government declaring a national bank holiday after the team's first 2026 World Cup match.
A Day to Celebrate Historic Qualification
First Minister John Swinney has confirmed plans to designate Monday 15 June 2026 as a bank holiday across Scotland. The move is a direct response to the national team's qualification for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1998, ending a 28-year wait for fans.
The announcement means that, regardless of the result against Haiti, the public will have a chance to recover and celebrate after the historic fixture. "I am taking steps to ensure the Monday after our opening game should be a national bank holiday," Swinney stated, emphasising the unifying nature of the occasion.
Late-Night Kick-Offs and Fan Celebrations
The decision is particularly welcome given the challenging schedule facing Scottish supporters. The men's national team will begin their campaign against Haiti on Sunday 14 June, with kick-off slated for 2am UK time.
Subsequent group stage matches, including a high-profile clash with Brazil, are also scheduled for late-night starts at 11pm. This significant time difference, coupled with the high cost of travel to the tournament in North America, has led to calls from the hospitality industry for extended pub hours and official fan zones on match days.
Swinney highlighted the broader significance of Scotland's participation: "Not only is this an historic sporting event, it's also a chance for Scotland to be on the world stage, to attract business development, create tourism interest within the country and to make cultural and sporting connections."
How the Bank Holiday Will Work
Bank holidays in Scotland are appointed by royal proclamation. The process involves the First Minister advising the Privy Council, with the final designation made by the King.
This means the holiday will be guaranteed for public-sector employees whose work is managed by the Scottish Government. For other workers in the private and third sectors, the decision to grant the day off will be at the discretion of individual employers.
The nation's qualification was sealed in dramatic fashion last November with a breathtaking 4-2 victory over Denmark at a euphoric Hampden Park. The anticipation has been building ever since among the famous Tartan Army, who last saw their team at a World Cup in France in 1998, where they lost 2-1 to Brazil.
