In a move celebrating the widespread football enthusiasm in the state, the Kerala government has declared a school holiday for Monday, July 20, 2026. The decision, announced by the General Education Department, grants students an unexpected day off to watch the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup final, set to feature Argentina against Spain.
Holiday Responds to Student Demand
The holiday applies to all educational institutions operating under the General Education Department. This declaration comes after numerous requests from students and football fans across Kerala, who expressed a strong desire to stay up late and witness the final match. The game is scheduled to kick off late on Sunday night and extend into the early hours of Monday morning, making regular school attendance challenging for many.
General Education Minister N Samsudheen confirmed the decision through his social media channels, playfully asking, "Happy now, children?" He acknowledged the passion of student football enthusiasts as the primary driver behind the Monday off.
Political Support for the Holiday
The demand for a holiday had garnered significant political backing. Prior to the official announcement, CPI(M) leader and former Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty publicly urged the state government to grant the day off. Sivankutty highlighted the late timing of the match and its potential impact on students' ability to attend school promptly. He also suggested that a working Saturday could be used to compensate for the lost academic day.
Leaders from the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) had also voiced similar calls for a school holiday, underscoring the broad consensus on the issue.
Kerala's Enduring Football Fever
Football has been a dominant topic of conversation throughout Kerala during the entire FIFA World Cup tournament. The state is renowned for its passionate football following, and this enthusiasm has been openly shared by several government ministers. General Education Minister N Samsudheen, Higher Education Minister Roji M John, and Sports Minister O J Janeesh are all known football aficionados who have actively posted on social media about their favourite teams and the tournament's progress.