The Times of India

Stayed up for the FIFA World Cup final? Students in Kerala, Meghalaya and Manipur got a Monday morning off

As excitement over the FIFA World Cup 2026 final swept across India, Kerala, Meghalaya and Manipur declared a holiday on July 20 for all educational institutions. The move allowed students to watch the late-night Spain vs Argentina showdown without worrying about classes, while also recognising football's deep cultural significance and encouraging greater interest in sports.