Are you going to watch the World Cup games during work hours? See how to behave

Will there be a day off for the Brazil games? What the labor law says
The 2026 World Cup started this Thursday (10) and the debut of the Brazilian team is scheduled for this Saturday (13). The World Cup atmosphere has already started to take over the country, including in the workplace.
The expectation surrounding the games reignites doubts about days off, flexible scheduling and even how to follow the matches during working hours.
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The Brazilian team's calendar has the first three games taking place at night (Brasília time). The debut takes place against Morocco, on Saturday (13). After that, Brazil returns to the field on two other dates that fall on working days.
If they advance to the next phase, the scenario could repeat itself - which means more matches on working days if the team continues in the tournament. The competition will be held between June 11th and July 19th, in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
In Brazil, it is common for companies to release employees on game days or make working hours more flexible during the World Cup, but this is not a legal obligation. (see if you are entitled to time off)
For those who are going to continue working normally, it is important to be aware, as not all companies adopt more flexible rules during the World Cup. Anyone who intends to follow the games during working hours must check in advance whether there is authorization for this type of practice.
According to Renato Mendes Baptista, CEO of Mendes Talent, the ideal is to consult internal rules or align with leadership in advance.
Cheering, commenting on matches and participating in internal actions can strengthen integration between teams, as long as this does not compromise deliveries, customer service or respect between colleagues.
According to him, excessive shouting, insistent provocations, swearing and abandonment of responsibilities are among the behaviors that generate the most discomfort in the corporate environment during games.
"It is also important to remember that not everyone likes football, so respect for the diversity of profiles and interests needs to prevail", he adds.
Another point of attention, according to Renato, is the excessive use of cell phones and social networks during working hours. For him, keeping track of the score quickly is not usually a problem, but too much can convey a lack of commitment and inattention to work.
Will you have time off during Brazil's games? What the labor law says
Balance between leisure, respect and responsibility
According to Eliane Aere, president of the Brazilian Association of Human Resources (ABRH-SP), the World Cup can strengthen the organizational climate, as long as professionalism is maintained. "Relaxation is not a 'free pass' to forget that we are in a corporate environment", he states.
According to the expert, the limit is crossed when behavior begins to affect the team's routine, disrupt deliveries or bother colleagues who are not watching the games. For her, respecting those who don't like football is also part of professional coexistence.
The specialist advises that workers speak in advance with managers and teams to align schedules and demands before matches. Alternatives include anticipating deliveries, using the company's common areas to watch games or compensating hours later.
She explains that the Consolidation of Labor Laws (CLT) itself allows working day compensation agreements, a practice adopted by many companies during sporting events. "Productivity does not fall when employees feel respected in their leisure time", he states.
Despite the relaxed atmosphere, Eliane warns that some attitudes can lead to disciplinary consequences. Swearing, aggressive provocations and insults directed at colleagues can be considered disrespectful to the company's code of conduct and can even lead to punishment.
Furthermore, leaving your post without warning, ignoring customers, drinking alcohol or exaggerating the use of your cell phone during working hours can also harm your professional image.
Companies like the startup GetNinjas, in São Paulo, have decorated their work environment for the World Cup and will allow employees to watch the games at home or on site. office
Marcelo Brandt/G1
The key is in the planning
Fernando Pedro, general director of Assigna, a Talenses Group company specializing in temporary and project work, states that the key is in the planning.
According to him, many companies are able to create light actions, such as broadcasting games, occasional flexibilization of schedules or scheduled breaks, without impacting the operation. "The important thing is to align expectations, priorities and responsibilities in advance", he says.
To avoid problems, Fernando argues that the company's Human Resources (HR) sector establishes clear guidelines before the games start. The rules may involve:
Timetables;
Use of common spaces;
Dress code;
Alcohol consumption;
Expected posture during matches.
"Common sense is important, but clear guidelines help to avoid noise", he explains. He also warns against the consumption of alcohol at corporate gatherings.
"Even in moments of fraternization, the environment remains corporate. Excessive consumption can lead to inappropriate situations and impacts on the organizational climate", he states.
According to Fernando, actions related to the World Cup should be optional, as not everyone likes football or wants to participate in internal activities.
"The ideal is to avoid social pressure to participate and ensure that those who prefer to maintain a normal routine also feel respected", he says.
In the assessment According to the expert, the World Cup can both strengthen integration between teams and highlight coexistence problems that already exist within companies.
When well conducted, the World Cup creates moments of connection, engagement and strengthening of organizational culture. But it can also highlight existing problems, such as lack of respect, exclusion or difficulties in coexistence.
How to behave during the World Cup games at work
See below some tips from experts on how to reconcile the World Cup games with the work routine in the corporate environment:
Check the company's rules before the games: not every company releases employees or makes working hours more flexible during the World Cup. Before watching the matches, confirm the internal guidelines or talk to the manager.
Avoid exaggeration in the crowd: shouting too much, banging on the table, singing loudly or interrupting colleagues can create discomfort in the corporate environment.
Be careful with teasing and jokes: constant teasing, discussions and teasing with colleagues can go beyond the limit of relaxation and cause conflicts.
Don't abandon your responsibilities: following the game cannot compromise meetings, deliveries, attendance or important deadlines.
Use your cell phone and social networks in moderation: checking the score quickly is usually acceptable, but spending the entire day on your cell phone can harm your professional image.
⚽ Respect those who don't like football: not everyone follows the World Cup or supports the team. The environment must remain respectful and inclusive.
Avoid swearing and aggressive reactions: insults against judges, players or colleagues can be seen as inappropriate behavior in the workplace.
Participate in company actions with common sense: competitions, decorations and broadcasts can help with team integration, as long as they do not disrupt the routine.
♀Regain focus after the game: once the match is over, the ideal is to quickly return to activities and maintain productivity.
Remember that the environment remains professional: the World Cup may lighten the mood, but work continues to require posture, respect and emotional maturity.
When the goal is scored, celebrate without exaggeration: cheering is part of the World Cup, but it is important to have common sense in the corporate environment. Avoid excessive shouting, running around the office, interrupting meetings or teasing colleagues. The celebration should not interfere with those who continue working.
Employees work at the startup GetNinjas, which decorated the workplace for the World Cup games
Marcelo Brandt/G1
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Source: G1