German Workers Set to Spend 26 Minutes a Day on World Cup — Productivity Loss Estimated at $17 Billion Globally
11.06.2026 - 10:35:16 | boerse-global.de
As the FIFA World Cup kicks off in the United States, Canada and Mexico, German employees are already planning how much work time they will sacrifice to follow the tournament. A survey by the University of Stuttgart of around 1,000 workers found that, on average, they intend to devote 26 minutes of each working day to football-related activities — more than double the 10 minutes recorded during the 2022 tournament, and well above the 16 minutes in 2018.
Over the course of the entire competition, that adds up to roughly 12 hours per employee spent on match discussions, checking live tickers, and refreshing result tables. Global experts estimate the overall productivity hit worldwide at 17 billion US dollars.
No Legal Right to Watch — But Penalties Are Real
The legal situation for German staff is clear: there is no statutory entitlement to time off for public viewing or for watching games at home. Anyone who simply stays away from work or turns up late without permission is committing a breach of duty. Employment lawyers warn that in the worst case this can lead to a formal warning or even dismissal. Pretending to be sick is particularly risky — if caught, the employee could face instant termination.
Even during working hours, the rules are strict. Streaming matches without the boss’s approval is forbidden. Listening to radio commentary is often tolerated, as long as performance doesn’t suffer. Wearing fan jerseys or decorating the office? Best to check with the line manager first.
With employees potentially distracted by tournament activity, now is a smart time for UK employers to review their workplace safety documentation and policies. A free Health & Safety Toolkit provides ready-to-use risk assessments, checklists, and toolbox talks covering fire safety, first aid, PPE and more — helping you stay compliant with UK regulations while keeping your team protected. Download the free Health & Safety Toolkit
Sleep Scientists Sound the Alarm on Night Matches
Because of the time difference, most of the 104 games are scheduled for late evening or early morning Central European Time. That presents businesses with serious scheduling and safety challenges. Sleep doctors are especially worried. Those who regularly get less than four hours of sleep quadruple their risk of workplace accidents. Even a single night with severe sleep deprivation weakens cognitive performance and the immune system.
Fatigue is not a legal excuse for missing work. The IG Metall union therefore recommends flexible solutions negotiated between employers and staff. Anyone who stays up cheering should plan short rest breaks during the day or take a nap before the match.
Local Noise Exceptions But No Blanket Approval
The federal government has issued a time-limited World Cup noise protection ordinance. From 20 May to 31 July, municipalities may grant exemptions from the usual nighttime quiet period between 10 pm and 6 am. However, there is no blanket permission — each request must be weighed individually by the authorities.
The hospitality sector is only cautiously optimistic. Because of the late kick-offs, extra revenue is expected to be lower than during previous tournaments. The German Economic Institute forecasts additional turnover of 67.4 million euros.
Fatigue-related accidents are a real concern when staff lose sleep over late-night matches. UK employers have a legal duty under the Health & Safety at Work Act to manage such workplace risks. A free toolkit with 9 practical tools — including risk assessments, compliance checklists, and a director's liability guide — can help you identify and address gaps before they lead to trouble. Download the free Health & Safety at Work Act Toolkit
Abroad: School Free in Mexico City, Home Office for Civil Servants
The three host nations are handling the kick-off times differently. In Mexico City, classes were cancelled for the opening day. Federal employees must work from home to avoid the traffic chaos around the Azteca stadium. The city government has also called on private companies to offer flexible working models.
