Scotland will play Haiti at 2am local time on June 15, 2026 – the first World Cup match the nation has taken part in since 1998. To mark the occasion, King Charles approved a one-off bank holiday, giving fans the Monday off to recover. But while Scottish supporters prepare for a late-night kick-off and a day off work, English fans face a different kind of shock: a beer at England’s first match against Croatia will cost up to £12.62.
The one-off bank holiday for Scotland was suggested by First Minister John Swinney, who said: “We want to make the most of Scotland’s participation in this global sporting event by ensuring people have the opportunity to come together and celebrate – no matter the outcome of the match.” The game kicks off at 2am in Scotland, meaning many fans will watch through the night. However, not everyone in Scotland will get the day off: schools and many workplaces remain open, expecting pupils and employees to attend as usual.
“An explainer on Scotland's World Cup bank holiday and the cost of beer for England fans at the 2026 tournament.”
English football fans have called for a similar holiday. After the Lionesses played in the 2023 Women’s World Cup and won the Euros, requests for a day off were rejected. A government spokesperson told the BBC: “The current pattern of public and bank holidays is well established, and there are no plans to change this.” Such days off can cost the economy billions, though they also generate spending. In 2023, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he would declare a bank holiday if the Matildas won the World Cup – before they were knocked out by England.
Meanwhile, fans travelling to see England face eye-watering prices at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. A US pint (473ml) of imported beer like Stella Artois will cost $16.95 (£12.62), while domestic options like Budweiser or Michelob Ultra are $15.95 (£11.88). That’s roughly three times the average price in English pubs. To add insult to injury, a US pint is 17 per cent smaller than a UK imperial pint (591ml). Fans in premium seats who have beer brought to them will be expected to tip 20 per cent, pushing the cost beyond £15. Even a 473ml bottle of water costs £6.14, hot dogs are $8.95 (£6.66) and burgers $16.95 (£12.62). FIFA said they played no part in setting the prices.
Scotland’s participation itself is a major event: the team hasn’t qualified for a men’s World Cup since 1998. Goalkeeper Craig Gordon has said he is ready to be the nation’s No 1 for the Haiti opener, adding to the selection debate around the squad.
Q: Will England get a World Cup bank holiday? No. The government has repeatedly said there are no plans to change the pattern of public and bank holidays. Even when the Lionesses won the Euros in 2023, no bank holiday was granted. Scotland’s one-off holiday was a special case approved by the King for a historic return to the tournament.
Q: Why are beer prices so high at the World Cup? Venue operators set the prices, not FIFA. At the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, home of the Dallas Cowboys, imported beers cost $16.95 (£12.62) and domestic lagers $15.95 (£11.88). The US pint is smaller than the UK pint, and tips are expected in premium seating areas. Fans have called the prices “ridiculous” and a “rip-off”.
Q: How much does a pint cost in the UK compared to the US? A standard UK pint is 591ml (20oz), while a US pint is 473ml (16oz) – 17 per cent less. At current prices, a UK pint of lager averages around £4-£5, whereas at the World Cup a US pint of domestic beer costs £11.88, and an imported one £12.62. So even before the size difference, fans are paying about three times the UK pub price.
Scotland face Haiti on June 15 at 2am BST, with the bank holiday falling on Monday June 16. England play Croatia on June 17 in Arlington. No further bank holidays are expected. The tournament runs across the US, Canada and Mexico until July 19.