Kerala Grants Monday School Holiday for FIFA World Cup Final Showdown

In a move that sparked cheers across the state, Kerala’s General Education Department officially announced a holiday for all schools on Monday, July 20. The decision comes as the FIFA World Cup final – a clash between football giants Argentina and Spain – is slated to kick off just after midnight on Sunday.

Officials said they took the step after hearing repeated pleas from students who are avid football fans. Many youngsters told parents and teachers they’d stay up late to watch the match, which could easily spill into the early hours of Monday, making it tough to get to school on time.

General Education Minister N. Samsudheen took to his social‑media accounts to confirm the holiday, writing, “Happy now, children? Considering the request of students who are football enthusiasts, the Kerala General Education Department has declared a holiday on Monday (July 20) for all schools under the department in view of the FIFA World Cup final to be played after midnight tonight.”

The announcement was echoed by other political figures, including former Education Minister V. Sivankutty, who had earlier urged the state to grant the day off. He argued that the match’s late start would inevitably affect attendance the next morning, and even suggested swapping a regular Saturday off for a working day to make up the lost time.

Even the state’s sports and higher‑education ministers, O. J. Janeesh and Roji M. John, joined the chorus of support, sharing their own favourite teams’ colours and sending good‑luck wishes to the players. Their posts added a touch of local excitement, showing just how deep the football fever runs in Kerala.

With the holiday now confirmed, students can settle in for a midnight thriller without the looming anxiety of a missed class. Whether they’re rooting for Lionel Messi’s Argentina or Spain’s dynamic squad, the young fans of Kerala will be able to watch the match live, then head back to school on Tuesday feeling refreshed – and perhaps a little more passionate about the beautiful game.