Fanatics fest

FIFA World Cup: The governments of Manipur and Mizoram have declared a holiday for educational institutions on Monday to enable students to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, reflecting the immense popularity of football in the two Northeastern states, officials said on Sunday.

Spain will take on Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final at the New York–New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) in East Rutherford, the United States, on Sunday night (local time). The match will be telecast live in India from 12.30 a.m. IST on Monday, July 20.

In Manipur, the Education Department, in an official order, said that, with a view to enabling students across the state to enjoy the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, scheduled for 0030 hours on July 20, the Governor has approved the closure of all educational institutions on Monday.