Every four years, the FIFA World Cup captures the attention of billions of people around the globe. Employees follow matches, discuss results, wear team jerseys, and rally behind their countries. For employers, however, the tournament often raises an important question:
Does the World Cup hurt productivity, or can it actually benefit the workplace?
The answer is more balanced than many business leaders realize.
On the surface, there is no denying that major sporting events can create short-term disruptions. Employees may adjust their schedules, stream matches during work hours, take extended lunch breaks, or request time off to attend games and watch parties. Recent workforce studies estimated that the 2026 FIFA World Cup could result in billions of dollars in lost productivity globally as workers make time to engage with the tournament.
If productivity is measured strictly by hours worked, the World Cup can certainly appear costly.
However, focusing only on lost hours misses a much larger opportunity.
The Hidden Value of Shared Experiences
Research on workplace culture consistently shows that employees who feel connected to their colleagues are more engaged, collaborative, and satisfied in their roles. Shared experiences help build relationships that often extend beyond day-to-day job responsibilities.
The World Cup creates one of the rare moments when people from different departments, backgrounds, cultures, and generations come together around a common interest.
A marketing manager from Brazil, an accountant from Mexico, a sales representative from the United States, and an engineer from Colombia may not normally have many opportunities to connect personally. During the World Cup, those conversations happen naturally.
The result is often stronger workplace relationships, increased morale, and a greater sense of belonging.
Smart Companies Embrace the Moment
Many organizations have learned that fighting the World Cup is often less effective than leveraging it.
Instead of viewing the tournament as a distraction, forward-thinking companies use it as a cultural asset by organizing:
- Team watch parties
- Friendly prediction contests
- International food events
- World Cup-themed employee engagement activities
- Flexible scheduling around key matches
These activities help employees feel valued while creating memorable experiences that strengthen company culture.
The productivity lost during a two-hour match may be offset by months of improved collaboration and engagement.
A Unique Opportunity for Los Angeles Businesses
The 2026 FIFA World Cup presents a particularly unique opportunity for businesses in Los Angeles.
As one of the host cities, the tournament will bring unprecedented international attention, cultural celebration, and economic activity to the region. Employees will already be talking about the matches, the fans, and the excitement surrounding the event.
Organizations that create opportunities for employees to participate in that experience can strengthen both internal culture and external brand perception.
The Bigger Question
Rather than asking, “How do we stop employees from watching the World Cup?”
Business leaders may benefit more from asking:
“How can we use the World Cup to create stronger relationships within our organization?”
The companies that find the right balance between productivity and engagement will likely discover that the tournament offers more than entertainment. It offers a chance to build community.
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