As the 2026 FIFA World Cup captivates fans across the globe, its influence is extending far beyond the stadiums and tv screens. Workplaces are finding that the tournament is proving to be a powerful catalyst for connection.

Employers are facing the familiar challenge of balancing productivity with employees’ enthusiasm for one of the world’s biggest sporting events. Many organisations are finding that embracing football culture rather than resisting it, can strengthen workplace relationships, boost morale, and create lasting communities.

From productivity concern to cultural opportunity

Research from UKG estimates that the World Cup could cost global employers some $17 billion in lost productivity, with 37% of workers planning to adjust their schedule because ⁠of the tournament. The survey also found that 27% of employees are likely to miss work by showing up late, leaving early or skipping entirely, while 11% admitted they would work while hungover and 14% said they would secretly stream matches and highlights while on the clock.

Historically for other World Cups and other sporting tournaments these figures prompted employers to tighten policies. However, many organisations are taking a different approach. Rather than viewing football as a distraction, businesses are recognising it as a rare opportunity to bring people together.

Building community within

RandomCoffee, an employment networking platform argues that global sporting events aren’t just events, they’re connection accelerators. Every four years, people around the world share the same stories, the same emotions, and the same debates. The only question to ask is whether you channel that energy into stronger workplace connections or let it stay in a virtual group chat.

This can be done in a simple way, like screening the match in the office or letting everyone finish early to watch it, or letting them start later the day after a 01:00 kick-off just like CloserStill Media, organisers of HR Technologies UK, did for the England vs Mexico match. 

Georgia Lloyd, Business Operations Manager at First Class Support explained another simple way of channelling the energy into becoming a stronger workforce. At First Class Support they hosted a ‘Bring a Board’ day where everyone brought in food and drink inspired by the countries they drew in the office sweepstake, creating shared memories among colleagues. This is a reminder that community often grows through simple moments of connection.

The office as a fan zone

Clio, a Canadian legal tech company, have been hosting watch parties, and they quickly became a fixture of office life this summer. Clio’s Chief People Officer, Marina Harris has said “we leaned into and thought, folks are going to come in anyhow, let’s make sure that it’s a positive experience for them.”

She also doesn’t view it as a distraction, but views these moments as colleagues coming together in the office and building connections, and has found it giving back in different ways. For example, Clio staff have been coming into the office more than usual on game days to experience the energy with their colleagues.

More than football

The FIFA World Cup has always been about competition, national pride, and unforgettable moments, but in workplaces around the globe it is also becoming a lesson in community building.

Employers are discovering that supporting shared experiences, rather than enforcing firm attendance rules, can help produce stronger cultures. By creating opportunities for employees to celebrate together, organisations are transforming a potential productivity challenge into a catalyst for belonging.

The strongest legacy to come for many workplaces after the final whistle has blown is not who lifted the trophy, but the relationships strengthened between colleagues along the way. In an increasingly digital world, the FIFA World Cup is proving that competition doesn’t need to divide communities, but it can help build them.