Today, Australia is still celebrating.
After a nail-biting penalty shootout in Saturday’s Women’s World Cup match against France, the Matildas are officially through to the semifinals.
This historic moment marks the furthest that any Australian soccer team — men or women — have progressed in a World Cup.
For the first time in sporting history, Australia has a real shot at becoming World Cup champions.
But among the celebrating a question has emerged: If the Matildas win the World Cup, will a public holiday be declared?
Here’s what we know.
PM and NSW premier behind public holiday
For weeks, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been hyping up the possibility of a public holiday for a Matildas win.
Speaking to ABC last week, he even said that while it’s ultimately up to the states and territories, he would personally push for it.
“Then they go into a semifinal on Wednesday, which happens to be the day of [national cabinet],” he said.
“So certainly, I’ll be raising with all the premiers and chief ministers, seeking their views on the potential to have a day off.”
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns also backed the idea.
“We’d love to back the Matildas with a public holiday,” he said in a statement read on 4GB.