Shillong: Meghalaya shuttered all schools, colleges, and technical institutions on Monday. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma ordered the closure to let students watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain. Kick-off is set for 12.30 a.m. IST.
The state government wants students to skip classes without worry. "As we know, football is a passion and a way of life in our state," Sangma said in a video statement. The Directorate of School Education and Literacy mandated the holiday for all government, aided, and private schools. The Directorate of Higher and Technical Education ordered government colleges and polytechnics to shut their doors as well.
Captain Williamson Sangma State University postponed all exams originally set for July 20 to July 31. The university joined other private higher education sites in an advisory to clear the day for the match.
Shillong streets filled with fans in blue and red jerseys. Thousands packed CM Fan Parks in Shillong, Tura, and Jowai. The main venue in Shillong added a second giant screen at Polo to handle the massive crowds. FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently spotlighted these gatherings on social media.
Support for Argentina runs deep in the state. Chief Minister Sangma and VPP chief Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit joined the festivities, both publicly backing the defending champions.
Comments