It usually starts late at night. One pint becomes two. Extra time turns into penalties.
Before you know it, the alarm clock is ringing after just a few hours of sleep, and that “tickle in the throat” suddenly feels a little worse than it did the night before.
Welcome to World Cup fever.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup featuring a record 104 matches across the United States, Canada and Mexico, many UK fans will be facing late nights and early mornings to follow the action.
Recent YouGov research found that 26% of football fans plan to stay up for 11pm kick-offs, while 12% are willing to get up at 5am to watch matches live.
For employers, this could translate into increased fatigue, reduced concentration, lower productivity and potentially higher levels of absence as employees attempt to balance work with one of the world’s biggest sporting events.
The Real Challenge for Employers
The World Cup creates a unique dilemma. On one hand, businesses need productivity, attendance and performance. On the other hand, many employees are passionate football fans who want to enjoy a tournament that only comes around once every four years.
Trying to ignore the issue rarely works.
Managers often find themselves dealing with:
- Last-minute annual leave requests
- Increased lateness following evening matches
- Reduced focus and concentration
- Unplanned sickness absence
- Team tensions where flexibility is perceived as unfair
Research into workplace presenteeism and fatigue has consistently shown that tired employees can experience reduced productivity, poorer decision-making and negative impacts on their wellbeing.
The organisations that most successfully navigate major sporting events are usually those that plan ahead rather than react when problems arise.
A Practical Approach
Consider speaking with your teams before the tournament gets into full swing.
Clear communication around expectations can prevent misunderstandings later.
Some employers may choose to offer flexibility, such as:
- Adjusted start and finish times
- Remote working where appropriate
- Planned annual leave arrangements
- Flexible break times for key matches
Of course, every workplace is different, and flexibility may not be practical in every role or sector. The key is Consistency. Whatever approach you take, employees should understand what is available, what isn’t and why.
Managing Absence Fairly
It can be tempting to assume that every absence following a dramatic late-night match is suspicious.
However, employers should be careful not to jump to conclusions. Normal absence procedures should continue to apply.
Employees who are genuinely unwell should be appropriately supported, while any concerns about attendance patterns should be addressed through existing policies and procedures.
Treating World Cup-related absences differently from any other attendance issue can create unnecessary risk and inconsistency.
An Opportunity, Not Just a Challenge
While much of the conversation focuses on lost productivity, major sporting events can also create positive opportunities.
Shared experiences often boost morale, encourage team conversations and create a sense of community in the workplace.
A sweepstake, a match-predictor competition, or simply allowing colleagues to discuss the latest results over a brew can sometimes have a greater impact on engagement than employers realise.
The World Cup will come and go. The culture you’ve built within your organisation will remain. The businesses that manage World Cup fever best are rarely the strictest. They’re usually the most prepared. A little planning, clear communication and a practical approach can help employers balance business needs with employee engagement throughout the tournament. After all, if your team are going to be talking about football anyway, you may as well have a plan for it. 💜
Need support reviewing your attendance policies, managing absence or navigating employee relations issues? Altum HR supports businesses, schools and charities across the UK with practical HR and Employment Law advice.
📧 enquiry@altumhr.co.uk
📞 08000 485764
