How to Enjoy the World Cup—and Keep Your Boss on Side

The Challenge of Balancing Matches and Work

How to enjoy the World Cup – As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, fans in England and Scotland are crafting their approach to juggle late kick-offs with the demands of the workplace. With matches spread across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the scheduling has created a unique dilemma for supporters. England’s group games are set for 21:00 and 22:00 BST, while Scotland’s fixtures extend even later, starting at 23:00 and ending at 02:00 BST. This has led some to plan their annual leave meticulously around key knockout rounds, while others seek compromise through flexible work arrangements, such as delayed start times or remote work options after midnight matches.

For example, Scotland fan Cameron Rae has already arranged to take the Monday following the Haiti game off work. His goal: attend a Tartan Army fan zone at his local town hall, which will host a bar and DJ until 4 a.m. “I booked the Monday off a while ago,” Rae explains. “I work in a garage, and we’re open as usual, so I probably wouldn’t get away with flexible working.” His strategy highlights the need for pre-planning when work hours clash with high-stakes matches, as leaving the office early might not be feasible for everyone.

Meanwhile, Krys Kujawa, a business analyst, believes he can manage late-night games without needing full days off. “Haiti is early Sunday morning, so there’s still all of Sunday to recover,” he notes. “Morocco is late Friday night, meaning you can just stay up and sleep in on Saturday. Brazil, though, is the tough one—coffee-your-way-through-work territory.” His perspective underscores the variability in how fans adapt to different match schedules, depending on when they fall on the calendar.

Scotland’s Special Celebration and Workplace Impact

Scotland is set to mark a historic milestone with a one-time national Bank Holiday on 15 June, celebrating the country’s team as they compete in its first World Cup since 1998. This day off is automatically granted to all NHS Scotland staff and government employees, though local councils have the option to extend it to other workers. Private businesses, however, are not legally required to close or provide the extra day. Krys Kujawa suggests that a Bank Holiday after the Brazil match would be ideal, as it would eliminate the need to wake up early the next day. “It’s a bit of a buzzkill knowing you have to go to work the next morning,” he admits.

The World Cup’s influence on workplace dynamics is expected to be significant. Unions and employment experts warn that businesses may face a surge in “World Cup sickies”—employees calling in sick due to fatigue or the desire to attend matches. According to BrightHR, which tracks absenteeism for over a million UK employees, at least 1.5 million workers will take time off during the tournament, adding over 2.3 million sickness days to the year. Workforce management company UKG estimates the event could cost UK employers around £681 million in lost productivity. These figures highlight the broader economic impact, as workers balance their passion for the game with professional responsibilities.

Flexible Work Policies and Team Spirit

In response to these challenges, some companies are rethinking their approach. Birmingham-based digital agency Pull the Pin has expanded its flexible working policy, allowing staff to adjust their schedules for matches. Founder Sam Hufton emphasizes transparency, stating, “I’ve reminded everyone that if they want to watch a game and start a bit later, that’s fine. All we ask is that they’re clear about it.” The firm requires employees to outline their weekly work plans, ensuring the team is aware of individual commitments. Hufton believes this policy benefits morale, even for non-fans. “Not everyone’s a football fan, but plenty will be, especially families who want to watch together. Whoever does take it up, I just want them to really enjoy it.”

Sharna Beveridge, Pull the Pin’s social media manager, acknowledges her own limited interest in football but is embracing the spirit of the event. “The office has completely lost the plot… in the best way possible,” she says. “We’ve even got our own competition going.” Her comment reflects the camaraderie that can emerge in workplaces, where shared excitement for the tournament transcends individual preferences. Beveridge plans to watch England’s games with friends and take a later start, noting, “The extra couple of hours in bed will definitely sway my decision to go out rather than stay in.” This blend of personal and team activities illustrates how the World Cup can foster both relaxation and unity among colleagues.

Flexible policies are not limited to small agencies. Hufton shares that his team has previously embraced similar strategies during major tournaments. For instance, after England’s Euro 2024 final against Spain, staff were given the morning off, enabling them to enjoy the game before returning to work at lunchtime. “We all know how that turned out, but it meant everyone could enjoy it,” he recalls. This approach has proven effective in maintaining employee satisfaction, even as match schedules stretch late into the night.

Preparing for the World Cup’s Workplace Ripple Effect

David D’Souza, a director at the CIPD, advises employers to be clear about their expectations. “They should encourage employees to book time off where games or after-effects might impact performance,” he says. This guidance aligns with the need for proactive planning, as the World Cup’s timing could disrupt daily routines. John Palmer, a senior advisor at conciliation service Acas, adds that businesses must strike a balance between accommodating fans and ensuring productivity. “It’s important to communicate how much time is needed for work, especially during critical periods,” he suggests.

For Hufton, the challenge of balancing work and football extends beyond the office. He will be getting married on 11 July, coinciding with an England quarter-final game. “Combining the two could be interesting,” he says, hinting at the potential for a memorable celebration. His personal situation exemplifies how the World Cup can intersect with life events, creating opportunities for unique experiences. Whether it’s a casual game-watching session or a high-stakes event like a wedding, the tournament has a way of weaving itself into everyday moments.

As the World Cup draws closer, the strategies fans employ to stay engaged with the action while meeting work obligations will likely become more diverse. From carefully scheduled annual leave to temporary shifts in work hours, the goal remains the same: to enjoy the matches without jeopardizing professional commitments. The tournament’s global reach ensures that its impact will be felt far beyond the pitch, shaping how people navigate their time in the workplace and beyond. With the right planning and understanding, the World Cup can be a time of shared enthusiasm, camaraderie, and even a bit of creativity in managing work-life balance.

Conclusion: A World Cup for All

Ultimately, the 2026 World Cup presents a unique opportunity to blend passion with productivity. While some may rely on traditional leave, others are exploring new ways to adapt their schedules. The event also highlights the importance of communication and flexibility in modern workplaces. As David D’Souza and John Palmer caution, employers must stay proactive in managing these changes. Yet, for many, the challenge of attending matches without sacrificing work is a rewarding one, proving that even the busiest professionals can find time for the game. With the right strategies, the World Cup can be a time of both excitement and efficiency, leaving fans—and bosses—satisfied in the end.