‘Happy Now, Children?’ Kerala Announces School Holiday On Monday for FIFA World Cup Final

Kerala students asked for a day off to watch the late-night Argentina-Spain World Cup final and the government agreed. A playful announcement from the education minister has now gone viral.

Post Published By: Ayushi Bisht

Updated : 19 July 2026, 3:05 PM IST

Kerala Announces School Holiday On Monday for FIFA World Cup Final (Img: X)

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has declared a holiday for all schools under the General Education Department on Monday, July 20, allowing students to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain.

The decision was announced on Sunday after football-loving students requested a day off because the title clash begins after midnight in India. The final is scheduled to kick off at 12.30 am IST on Monday at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

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‘Happy Now, Children?

Kerala General Education Minister N. Samsudheen announced the holiday on social media with a playful message: “Happy now, children?”

He said the department had considered requests from students who wanted to stay awake and watch the final. The holiday applies to all schools functioning under the state’s General Education Department.

Demand Receives Political Support

Calls for a holiday had also received support from political leaders. Former Education Minister V. Sivankutty argued that the late-night match would continue into the early hours of Monday, making it difficult for students to attend classes the following morning.

He reportedly suggested compensating for the missed academic day by making a future Saturday a working day. Several other political leaders had also supported the demand.

Also Read: Who Is Keyne? Lamine Yamal’s Little Brother Is the Internet’s New Favourite ahead of Fifa world cup final

Argentina Face Spain in Blockbuster Final

The FIFA World Cup 2026 final will see defending champions Argentina face European champions Spain. Lionel Messi’s side is chasing a second successive World Cup crown, while Spain is aiming to lift the trophy for the second time after its 2010 triumph.

Football enjoys an enormous following in Kerala, particularly for Argentina and Brazil. Giant player cutouts, public screenings and late-night celebrations have become familiar sights in the state during major international tournaments.

The school holiday reflects the scale of excitement surrounding the final, which brings together Messi’s Argentina and a young Spain side featuring teenage star Lamine Yamal.