The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup is set to be one of the biggest sporting events in history. Hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, the tournament will bring together teams and supporters from around the globe for a month of excitement, competition and unforgettable moments.
For football fans in the UK, however, this World Cup will look a little different. With many matches taking place across North American time zones, kick-off times are likely to fall in the evening or late at night, meaning employees may be staying up to watch games rather than requesting time off during the working day.
While the schedule may be different, the opportunity to bring people together remains the same. Major sporting events can create a sense of shared excitement that helps strengthen workplace relationships, encourage collaboration and boost morale.
Here are a few ways employers can use the 2026 FIFA World Cup to encourage team spirit at work.
4 ways the 2026 FIFA World Cup can boost team spirit at work.
1. Offer flexible working
2. Organise a team tournament
3. Run a sweepstakes competition
4. Bring match-day energy to work
1. Consider flexibility where possible
Unlike previous tournaments where matches often took place during working hours, many World Cup fixtures in 2026 will be shown late in the evening for UK viewers.
This may mean some employees arrive at work feeling a little less refreshed after staying up to watch an important match. Where business needs allow, offering occasional flexibility around start times or hybrid working arrangements can help employees balance their passion for the tournament with their professional responsibilities.
As with any flexible working arrangement, clear expectations and communication are key to ensuring customer service and productivity remain unaffected.
2. Organise a five-a-side tournament
A little healthy competition can bring colleagues together in ways that are difficult to replicate in a traditional office setting.
Organising a five-a-side football match or workplace tournament during the World Cup can help employees connect with colleagues from different teams while promoting wellbeing and teamwork. For remote or hybrid teams, you could even consider alternative sports or virtual competitions to ensure everyone can get involved.
3. Encourage friendly competition
A World Cup sweepstake or prediction competition can be an easy and inclusive way to build excitement across the business.
Employees do not need to be football experts to participate, making these activities accessible to a wide range of people. Small prizes and recognition can help increase participation and create conversation across departments.
4. Bring match-day energy into the workplace
Encouraging employees to wear the colours of the team they are supporting, decorating communal spaces or introducing themed food and snacks can help create a positive atmosphere during the tournament.
These activities can be particularly effective during key matches involving the home nations or later-stage knockout fixtures when excitement is likely to be at its highest.
Bringing people together beyond football
The 2026 FIFA World Cup presents a valuable opportunity for organisations to strengthen workplace connections and raise spirits. Whether through friendly competition, flexible working arrangements or shared celebrations, creating moments for employees to connect can have a positive impact long after the final whistle.
When employees feel engaged, valued and connected to their colleagues, businesses are more likely to benefit from stronger collaboration, higher morale and improved productivity.
