World Cup: see which capitals will have an optional point or reduced working hours in Brazil's game

Will there be a day off for the Brazil games? What the labor law says
The classification of the Brazilian team for the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup reignites a common doubt among workers: can anyone who is going to watch the game this Monday (29), at 2pm, leave work early?
In practice, the answer depends on the employer. Although many companies make working hours more flexible during the World Cup, legislation does not require employees to be released during the national team's matches.
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Therefore, workers need to pay attention to the company's rules to avoid salary deductions, hourly compensation or other sanctions (see how it works). As for public servants, the rules vary depending on the sphere of government.
And for public servants?
In the federal government, the rules are different. A decree from the Ministry of Management and Innovation in Public Services (MGI) authorizes, on an exceptional basis, the change of working hours on game days for the Brazilian team at the 2026 World Cup.
This, however, does not mean that the federal government has decreed an optional point. Federal agencies must continue to function normally, and the release of employees depends on the organization of each agency, without prejudice to the provision of services, especially those considered essential.
In this Monday's game (29), scheduled for 2 pm, federal employees will be able to leave work from 11 am, as long as there is authorization from the agency and the hours not worked are compensated between August 3 and September 30. Those who do not compensate may receive a proportional discount on their remuneration.
For state and municipal employees, the rules vary depending on the local administration. States and city halls can decree optional hours, reduce working hours or release employees early to follow the match, as long as there are specific rules.
Among the 27 Brazilian capitals, 21 have declared optional hours or reduced working hours next Monday. Another four had not yet disclosed how public offices will operate until the last update of this report.
The date also coincides with Saint Peter's Day, a public holiday in two capitals. (see list below)
Capitals with optional point or reduced working hours
Aracaju (SE)
Belém (PA)
Belo Horizonte (MG)
Brasília (DF)
Campo Grande (MS)
Cuiabá (MT)
Fortaleza (CE)
João Pessoa (PB)
Macapá (AP)
Manaus (AM)
Natal (RN)
Recife (PE)
Rio Branco (AC)
Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
Salvador (BA)
Palmas (TO)
Porto Alegre (RS)
Porto Velho (RO)
São Paulo (SP)
Teresina (PI)
Vitória (ES)
Capitals where São Paulo is celebrated Pedro
São Luís (MA)
Boa Vista (RR)
Capitals without decree
Curitiba (PR)
Florianópolis (SC)
Goiânia (GO)
Maceió (AL)
What is an optional point?
In the optional point, public bodies can exempt employees from work without prejudice to their remuneration, maintaining only those services considered essential. The measure is usually adopted on working days close to holidays or on specific occasions, such as events of great national impact.
In the private sector, however, the optional point does not oblige companies to lay off their employees. The decision is up to each employer.
What are Brazil's next games?
The doubt could be repeated in the next stages of the World Cup. If they reach the final, the team led by Carlo Ancelotti will play five games until the title is decided. Of these, four are scheduled for weekdays.
⚽ See below Brazil's path to the final:
16th finals: June 29th (Monday), at 2pm
Round of 16: July 5th (Sunday), at 5pm
Quarter-finals: July 11th (Saturday), at 6pm
Semifinal: July 15th (Wednesday), at 4pm
End: July 19th (Saturday), at 6pm
Saturday is considered a working day both by the Consolidation of Labor Laws (CLT) and by the Federal Constitution. Therefore, the same rules regarding working hours and employee release also apply to matches played on that day.
The startup GetNinjas is already dressed up for the World Cup; employees will see games on the big screen
Marcelo Brandt/G1

Source: G1