Kochi: For football lovers, it’s a big night coming up.
In fact, it can’t get any bigger than this.
Argentina, spearheaded by left-footed genius Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest footballer of all time, will be taking on Spain in the FIFA World Cup final at New Jersey, with the kick-off well past midnight.
The craze in India is palpable. A country of more than 1.4 billion may not be even close to qualifying for the World Cup finals, but millions have stayed up all night to watch the matches over the past five weeks.
Now, the climax is just hours away, and a number of state governments have announced a holiday for educational institutions on Monday so that students can enjoy the game into tomorrow’s wee hours.
First it was Kerala. Now, Manipur and Meghalaya governments have followed suit.
Kerala has announced a holiday for all schools, colleges and professional educational institutions, following a request from students.
The Manipur Governor, in an order, declared closure of institutions affiliated with the Board of Secondary Education Manipur (BOSEM), the Council of Higher Secondary Education Manipur (COHSEM), the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), as well as government, aided and unaided colleges, universities and higher educational institutions.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced all schools and colleges will remain closed on Monday, describing football as “a passion and a way of life” in the northeastern state.
“I have decided that tomorrow, Monday, will be a holiday for all educational institutions, including schools and colleges,” Sangma said in a video message on Sunday, explaining that the decision will help youngsters enjoy the World Cup final.
#WATCH | Shillong: Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangma says, “I have some good news for our football lovers… I would like to inform all of you that I have decided that tomorrow, Monday will be a holiday for all educational institutions, including schools and colleges. As we know that… pic.twitter.com/gRkpSUpafr
— ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2026
The kick-off is scheduled at 12.30 am, and the match will end close to 2.30 am. If the final goes to extra time or penalties, the game will go on well past 3 am.
Hence, school holiday will be a most welcome development for students.