The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to disrupt workplaces globally. A new survey from UKG projects $17 billion in lost productivity, as workers plan to watch matches. The tournament, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, runs from June 11 to July 19.
According to UKG, 37% of employees plan schedule changes. 27% are likely to miss work entirely-arriving late, leaving early, or skipping. 11% admit they will work while hungover, and 14% say they will secretly stream games.
The survey polled 8,000 employees across eight nations. The U.S. alone accounts for $11.7 billion in potential losses, followed by Germany at $1.34 billion. Managers are also affected: 42% plan to take a day off, and 45% will ask for flexibility.
"When absenteeism and presenteeism hit at scale, the effect is immediate and expensive," said Suresh Vittal, chief product officer at UKG, citing drops in productivity, customer experience, and morale.