Picture: Kerala Tourism
Doha, Qatar: Football mania in the southern Indian state of Kerala has reached new heights, with the state government declaring a school holiday for Monday, July 20, 2026.
The move allows students in the state, renowned for its passionate football culture, to stay up and watch the highly-anticipated FIFA World Cup final, scheduled to kick off at 12:30am Indian time on Monday.
Education Minister N Samsudheen made the announcement through his social media account, stating that this decision comes in response to requests from football-loving students in the state.
He wrote, in Malayalam, that roughly translates to, "Happy now, children? Since the World Cup football final is taking place late tonight, a holiday has been declared for tomorrow (Monday, July 20) for schools under the State General Education Department, in response to requests from sports-loving students."
As millions around the world tune in for the midnight showdown, students in the state won't have to choose between homework and history — they can cheer, celebrate, and stay up late knowing school can wait.
Whether Messi leads Argentina to a historic repeat or Spain wins the title for the second time, one thing is clear: Kerala will be up late, watching every moment of the final.
