Anthony Albanese pushes for a new public holiday – but on one condition: ‘The premiers will fold like tents’

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will use the upcoming national cabinet meeting to campaign for a federal public holiday, should Matilda reach the World Cup final.

With Sam Kerr expected to return to the pitch, Matilda will take on Denmark on Monday night in a do-or-die Round of 16 match.

If they beat the Danes, Matilda will face either France or Morocco in the quarterfinals.

Should they make it all the way to the grand final, which will be played on August 20, Mr Albanese says he would make a personal appeal to all state and territory leaders to establish a public holiday.

‘Holidays are up to state and territory leaders. But you know what? We have a national cabinet next week,” he told 2Day FM on Monday.

I’ll be making the argument straight, and I think they’ll fold up like tents. They will go one after the other.

“Because if we can get there, that would be extraordinary.”

Albanese said Matilda fever had gripped the country and while she would be unable to attend Monday’s match due to parliament sitting, she would eagerly watch.

The Women’s World Cup is the first time many Australians have experienced large crowds of soccer and the culture that goes with it.

“I think the legacy 10 years from now, 15 years from now, will be that little girls and boys who are watching the World Cup and excited will take part,” she said.

‘And some of them will become Matilda’s or Socceroos. It’s been fantastic.

’30 years ago, I couldn’t have imagined that you would fill stadiums for women’s team sport. About time and it’s just fantastic’.

Mr. Albanese also paid tribute to the national netball team, the Diamonds, who defeated England in the World Cup final in South Africa overnight.

“Australia will welcome them back… We have been the most successful team in netball for quite some time,” he said.

Matilda Denmark’s play in Sydney will start at 8.30pm.