2 min readThiruvanananthapuramJul 19, 2026 07:27 PM IST
Ahead of the FIFA World Cup final, the Kerala government has declared Monday a holiday for all educational institutions, including professional colleges. The match between Spain and Argentina kicks off at 12.30 am IST on Monday.
Announcing the decision, Chief Minister V D Satheesan said, “The football festival that takes place once every four years is drawing to a close. The FIFA World Cup final will kick off on Monday at 12.30 am. Our passion for football is a model for the entire world.”
“If the match is being held as per the scheduled time, it would be around 2.30 am when the match ends. If it goes into extra time and penalties, it will continue even longer. Children have been asking how they will manage to go to school after staying up so late. Against this background, the government has decided to declare a holiday for all educational institutions in the state, including professional colleges. Let everyone enjoy the Argentina-Spain final with all its excitement,” the Chief Minister said in a Facebook post.
Many leaders cutting across political lines have demanded that a holiday be declared for educational institutions in the state, considering the World Cup final. A few private schools affiliated to CBSE had already declared Monday a holiday.
Education Minister N Samsudheen said the Education Department also wanted to encourage students’ interest in sports.
Former education minister and CPI(M) leader V Sivankutty had earlier demanded that schools be given a holiday on Monday. “After the final match, it will be difficult for students to reach the school on time. Considering the situation, Monday should be declared a holiday for all schools,” he had said.