In a remarkable reflection of India’s growing football fervour, the excitement surrounding the FIFA World Cup 2026 final has reached far beyond stadiums and fan zones, prompting three Indian states to declare a holiday for educational institutions.
Ahead of the highly anticipated final between defending champions Argentina and European powerhouse Spain, the governments of Kerala, Manipur, and Meghalaya announced that schools, colleges, and other professional educational institutions will remain closed on Monday, July 20.
The decision comes in response to the match’s late-night broadcast timing in India. The World Cup final, scheduled to be played at MetLife Stadium, will kick off at 12:30 AM IST on Monday. With the blockbuster clash featuring Lionel Messi and Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, authorities anticipate that millions of fans across the country will stay awake into the early hours, especially if the match extends to extra time or penalties.
Recognising the enthusiasm among students and parents, state education departments opted to suspend regular academic operations for the day, citing student convenience and safety concerns related to late-night travel.
In Kerala, where football enjoys an immense cultural following and large LED screens have been set up in several public spaces, the state government announced the closure after a strong social media campaign led by students. General Education Minister N. Samsudheen confirmed the decision in a light-hearted post, asking, “Happy now, children?”
The Manipur Education Department also issued an official order under the Governor’s direction, shutting all educational institutions across the state, including those affiliated with BOSEM, COHSEM, and CBSE.
Soon after, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced a similar holiday, describing football as “a passion and a way of life” in the Northeast.
Authorities in all three states have clarified that while regular classes will remain suspended, any pre-scheduled examinations will be conducted as planned without changes to the timetable.
The unprecedented move highlights the extraordinary influence of football in India, particularly in regions where the sport is deeply woven into local culture. As Argentina and Spain prepare to battle for global supremacy, millions of Indian fans will now be able to witness the historic final without worrying about the next day’s classes.
