Imphal, July 19: In a display of the immense passion for football in Northeast India, the governments of Manipur and Mizoram have declared a holiday for educational institutions on Monday in anticipation of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. This decision aims to provide students with the opportunity to watch the final match.
The final will take place between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium in New York-New Jersey on Sunday night (local time). In India, the match will be broadcast live starting at 12:30 AM (IST) on Monday.
According to an order issued by the Manipur Education Department, all educational institutions in the state will remain closed on Monday, following the governor’s approval. This includes schools affiliated with the Secondary Education Board, Higher Secondary Education Council, CBSE, and other recognized boards, as well as government, aided, and private colleges, universities, and other higher education institutions.
The Mizoram government has also announced a complete holiday for all schools, colleges, and other educational institutions on Monday. All government offices, except banks, will close in the early part of the day and reopen from 1 PM to 5 PM.
A memorandum from the General Administration Department stated that essential and emergency services will continue uninterrupted. All department heads have been instructed to ensure necessary arrangements.
A senior official from the Mizoram government explained that this decision was made due to the match being held after midnight in India and the overwhelming enthusiasm among the public for the final. He noted that football is one of the most popular sports in Mizoram, with many people gathering to watch matches during international tournaments.
It is noteworthy that both Manipur and Mizoram have produced several international and national-level football players. Football enthusiasts have welcomed the decision made by the governments of both states.
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