The Manipur government has declared July 20 a holiday for all educational institutions, allowing students to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain.
IMPHAL — The Manipur government has declared a holiday for all schools, colleges, universities, and higher educational institutions across the state on July 20 to enable students to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 12:30 am (IST).
According to an order issued by the Education Department, the holiday will apply to all educational institutions affiliated with the Board of Secondary Education, Manipur (BOSEM), the Council of Higher Secondary Education, Manipur (COHSEM), the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), as well as colleges, universities, and other higher educational institutions under the government, aided, and unaided sectors.
Meanwhile, football enthusiasts across the state are expected to watch the final together, with the authorities reportedly planning live screenings on giant screens in all districts.
According to sources, the initiative is aimed at allowing people across Manipur to collectively experience the excitement of the FIFA World Cup final.
However, no official statement regarding the live screening arrangements had been issued at the time of filing this report.
Manipur has long been regarded as one of India's leading football hubs, producing a significant number of players for the country's top competitions.
The state has contributed around 43 players to the Indian Super League (ISL), India's premier men's professional football league, while also producing several footballers who have represented the national women's football team, underscoring its strong footballing tradition.