The World Cup 2026 kicked off on 11th June, and with matches taking place across North America, many UK fans will be facing late-night or even early-morning kick-offs.
If you’re planning to follow the tournament, it’s worth thinking ahead about how this may affect your work -and what your rights and responsibilities are.
Can I Watch the Football During Working Hours?
In most cases, there is no automatic right to watch football during working hours.
Whether you can depends on:
Some employers may allow matches to be watched at work or more informally during quieter periods -but this is usually at their discretion.
Can I Take Time Off for Matches?
Yes -but this will usually need to be taken as:
You should:
Employers are not required to approve all requests, especially where there are business needs to consider.
What If I’m Off Sick After a Match?
You should only take sick leave if you are genuinely unwell. While it might be tempting to call in sick after a late night, employers may monitor patterns of absence -particularly around major matches. Any misuse of sick leave could lead to:
Can My Employer Change My Working Hours?
Possibly. Some employers may introduce temporary flexibility during the tournament, such as:
This will depend on the needs of the business, and changes should normally be discussed with you in advance.
What If I’m Too Tired to Work?
Late matches especially those finishing after midnight can affect sleep and concentration. However, employees are still expected to:
If fatigue becomes an issue, speak to your employer early. There may be scope to agree adjustments, but you should not simply fail to attend work.
Can I Support My Team at Work?
Many employers take a relaxed approach during major tournaments and may allow:
These can be a great way to build morale, but remember:
Being respectful of colleagues with different interests is important.
Be Mindful of Workplace Behaviour
Excitement (or disappointment!) during sporting events can sometimes spill over into the workplace. Employees should avoid:
Normal workplace standards still apply.
A Summer of Sport
The World Cup is just one part of a busy sporting calendar, including Wimbledon and other major events. This could mean ongoing demand for time off and flexibility throughout the summer. Planning ahead will help you strike the right balance between enjoying the action and meeting your work commitments.
The World Cup 2026 is something many employees will be looking forward to -but it’s important to approach it responsibly.
With a bit of planning, you can enjoy the tournament while staying on the right side of your workplace policies.
Your initial employment law conversation with us is free of charge. All our team is extremely friendly and experienced, not just locally, but nationally too. You will be in safe hands. Contact Us or call 0116 212 1000
