Keeping your business on the ball during the 2026 FIFA World Cup

A Cheshire-based employment law specialist is urging businesses to prepare to face a variety of challenges with this year’s FIFA World Cup being hosted across North America.

The major sporting event has the potential to disrupt staff productivity and engagement during work hours, with matches kicking off late at night and in the early hours UK time.

This could lead to employees compromising sleep, with an increased risk of unauthorised absences and lateness.

There could also be a spike in annual leave or shift pattern requests as the tournament progresses, with teams and matches confirmed with little notice in the knock-out stages.

Communicating existing policies and procedures to team members ahead of time can help companies minimise any disruption by setting clear expectations from the outset.

In addition, employers that monitor and address concerns for employees exhibiting signs of fatigue are not only fulfilling their legal obligation to protect staff wellbeing, but are also more likely to maintain operational standards.

Latham Parry, managing partner and employment law expert at Warrington’s Watsons Solicitors, is encouraging businesses to plan ahead.

He said: “The World Cup brings excitement, and people will be hoping the country they root for does as well as possible.

“There is no denying that major sporting tournaments bring risk for employers, and the time difference for this one being in North America adds an extra layer of complexity.

“Employees will be having later nights and, in some instances, may not go to sleep at all. This increases the risk of lateness, unauthorised absence, and lower productivity. There is also the risk of staff shortages if requests for time off are not managed carefully.

“When you include the potential for drinking alcohol so close to the start of the working day, it’s vital that businesses are clear from the outset about what company policies and procedures are.

“Both employers and employees risk scoring an own goal if things are not managed properly.”

Contact Latham if you have any questions or queries with regards to employment law.

Watsons Solicitors, which has been established for more than 60 years, specialises in family law, employment law, wills and probate, and conveyancing.

The team of experienced solicitors each hold various accreditations and memberships of professional bodies relevant to their expertise, while the firm’s partners oversee all areas of work.