With FIFA World Cup excitement building, over eight in ten Middle East workers say they are likely to adjust their sleeping habits to catch the action live.
World Cup Fever May Keep Workers Awake: 80%+ of Middle East Employees Anticipate Sleep Changes.
World Cup Excitement Set to Reshape Sleep and Work Routines Across the Middle East
The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has begun, and for football supporters across the Middle East, the tournament is expected to bring weeks of excitement, anticipation and significant lifestyle adjustments. While fans are eagerly looking forward to watching the world’s biggest football event, many are also preparing for disrupted sleep schedules as match timings coincide with overnight hours in the region.
A recent survey conducted by recruitment platform GulfTalent highlights the scale of interest among professionals living and working across the Middle East. The findings reveal that a large majority of employees intend to follow the tournament despite the challenges posed by late-night kick-off times. The month-long competition, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is scheduled to take place between June 11 and July 19 and is expected to attract unprecedented global attention.
According to the survey results, approximately 84 percent of professionals in the region plan to watch at least some of the World Cup matches. The figures underline the enduring popularity of football throughout the Middle East, where major international tournaments routinely attract millions of viewers.
Interest in this edition of the competition is expected to exceed that of previous tournaments for several reasons. One major factor is the expansion of the World Cup format. For the first time in the tournament’s history, the number of participating teams has increased from 32 to 48, allowing more nations to compete on football’s biggest stage. The expanded structure is expected to create additional excitement among supporters worldwide and generate increased engagement throughout the event.
The Arab world, in particular, has strong reasons to follow the tournament closely. Eight Arab nations have secured qualification, providing supporters throughout the region with multiple teams to rally behind. Countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria and Iraq will all be represented, increasing regional interest and encouraging fans to stay connected to the action throughout the competition.
The Gulf region’s diverse population is also likely to contribute to strong viewing figures. Millions of expatriates from Europe, South America, Africa and Asia call the Gulf home, and many remain passionate supporters of their national teams. As a result, households, community gatherings and public viewing venues are expected to be filled with fans representing a wide range of footballing nations.
However, unlike the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, when many matches were conveniently scheduled during the day or evening for regional audiences, this year’s tournament presents a different challenge. Because games will be played in North American time zones, viewers in Gulf countries will often need to stay awake late into the night or wake up during the early morning hours to watch matches live.
Broadcast schedules indicate that games will generally be shown between approximately 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. Gulf time. While such timings may be inconvenient for working professionals, survey results suggest that enthusiasm for the tournament remains strong enough to outweigh concerns about sleep deprivation.
Many respondents acknowledged that they expect their sleeping patterns to change during the World Cup. Nearly half of those surveyed said they intend to stay awake throughout the night for selected matches, especially when their favorite teams are playing or when important knockout-stage fixtures take place.
Others plan to take a more moderate approach. A similar proportion indicated that they would focus on matches played earlier in the evening and avoid games scheduled during the early hours of the morning. By limiting their viewing to more convenient times, these fans hope to enjoy the tournament without significantly affecting their daily responsibilities.
Meanwhile, a smaller group of respondents said they would rely on highlights packages, recorded broadcasts and match summaries instead of watching games live. For these individuals, maintaining a healthy routine and ensuring adequate rest takes priority over following every minute of the competition in real time.
Among the many football supporters eagerly anticipating the tournament is Abdul Fattah, an Al Nahda resident who considers himself a dedicated fan of Cristiano Ronaldo. Like many others across the region, he is already thinking about how to manage his schedule during the World Cup.
Abdul explained that he expects football to play a major role in his daily routine over the coming weeks. With matches taking place at varying times throughout the night, he knows that maintaining his normal sleep pattern may prove difficult.
As a supporter of Portugal and several other leading football nations, he intends to watch as many key matches as possible. He noted that some fixtures are expected to begin late in the evening, while others may start after midnight or even during the early hours of the morning.
To accommodate the tournament, Abdul plans to make adjustments to his professional schedule whenever possible. Depending on the importance of the match, he may choose to start work earlier, leave the office sooner or arrange his day to allow for additional rest before kick-off.
He also acknowledged that he might use annual leave or delay the start of his workday when particularly significant fixtures are scheduled. For passionate football fans, he said, opportunities to watch major World Cup encounters live are difficult to miss.
His comments reflect the attitudes of many supporters throughout the region, who are preparing to strike a balance between their professional obligations and their enthusiasm for the sport.
The survey also explored how World Cup viewing habits could influence workplace behavior. While many respondents expressed confidence that football would not interfere with their performance at work, others admitted that late-night viewing could have noticeable consequences.
Approximately 45 percent of participants stated that watching matches would not affect their workday. These individuals believe they will be able to maintain their normal schedules and continue performing their duties without significant disruption.
However, a substantial number of respondents expect the tournament to impact their energy levels. Around 30 percent said they anticipate arriving at work feeling tired after sacrificing sleep to watch games. Reduced rest, they acknowledged, may lead to fatigue during working hours.
Some professionals are considering more direct adjustments to their schedules. Roughly 8 percent of survey participants said they expect to begin work later than usual following important matches. A similar percentage indicated that they may use annual leave during the tournament to avoid conflicts between football viewing and professional commitments.
Flexible working arrangements are another option under consideration. Around 6 percent of respondents reported that they expect to work remotely during parts of the tournament. Working from home could help them manage their schedules more effectively while reducing the impact of overnight viewing on their daily routine.
A very small minority admitted that they might call in sick after particularly late nights. Although only a limited number of respondents indicated such intentions, the finding illustrates the extent to which major sporting events can influence employee behavior.
Despite expectations of disrupted sleep and altered workplace routines, relatively few organizations appear to have introduced formal policies related to the World Cup. Only about one in nine professionals surveyed reported that their employer had implemented specific measures or guidelines to address the tournament’s impact.
This suggests that most companies are relying on existing workplace policies and expecting employees to manage their own schedules responsibly. While some organizations may offer informal flexibility, dedicated World Cup arrangements remain relatively uncommon.
Nevertheless, employers may need to prepare for temporary changes in workplace dynamics. Increased fatigue, requests for flexible scheduling and higher demand for annual leave could become common themes throughout the tournament period as employees seek ways to follow their favorite teams without neglecting professional responsibilities.
The findings ultimately demonstrate the extraordinary influence football continues to have across the Middle East. Even with matches scheduled during inconvenient overnight hours, millions of supporters remain determined to follow the action live.
As the opening match approaches, many fans are already planning their evenings, adjusting their routines and organizing their schedules around key fixtures. Coffee consumption may rise, alarm clocks may become more difficult to answer and workplaces may notice a few extra tired faces during the coming weeks.
Yet for devoted supporters, these sacrifices are often viewed as a small price to pay. The opportunity to witness dramatic goals, memorable performances and historic moments on football’s grandest stage remains an experience that many fans are unwilling to miss.
With more teams, greater regional representation and heightened global interest, the 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be one of the most widely followed sporting events in history. Across the Middle East, the tournament is expected not only to dominate television screens and social conversations but also to reshape daily routines as football takes center stage for an entire month.
Middle East Employers Prepare for World Cup Buzz as Workplace Flexibility Gains Support
As anticipation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup builds across the Middle East, employers are increasingly recognizing that the month-long tournament could influence not only personal schedules but also workplace routines. With millions of football fans expected to stay up late to follow matches being played in North America, businesses throughout the region are beginning to consider how best to accommodate employees who plan to closely follow the competition.
Research conducted by recruitment platform GulfTalent suggests that many managers are willing to adopt a practical and flexible approach during the tournament. Rather than viewing football-related disruptions as a challenge, a large number of employers appear ready to work with staff members to ensure that both business needs and employee interests can be balanced effectively.
According to the survey, nearly three-quarters of managers indicated that they would be open to offering some degree of flexibility during the World Cup period. Such measures could include allowing employees to begin work later than usual following major matches, adjusting schedules to accommodate late-night viewing, or granting time off when particularly significant fixtures are taking place.
The findings reflect a growing understanding among employers that global sporting events can have a meaningful impact on employee morale and engagement. For many workers, the FIFA World Cup is more than just a sporting tournament; it is a cultural event that brings together friends, families and entire communities. As a result, companies may see value in acknowledging the excitement surrounding the competition rather than attempting to ignore it.
Many managers believe that a degree of flexibility can help maintain a positive work environment during the tournament. By allowing employees to adjust their schedules when necessary, businesses may be able to minimize stress while ensuring that productivity remains largely unaffected.
Workplace discussions about the World Cup have already become common across many organizations in the region. Employees are sharing predictions, discussing team prospects and debating which nations are most likely to lift the trophy. The tournament has become a frequent topic of conversation in offices, highlighting the widespread enthusiasm that surrounds football’s biggest event.
Among those observing the growing excitement is Shafaq Majali, a manager at an automotive company based in the UAE. He noted that conversations about the upcoming competition have become increasingly common among employees well before the tournament’s opening match.
According to Majali, football has become one of the most discussed subjects in the workplace, with colleagues regularly exchanging opinions about teams, players and tournament expectations. While he acknowledges that the event is likely to influence daily routines for many employees, he remains optimistic about its overall impact on workplace performance.
In his view, enthusiasm for football does not necessarily translate into reduced productivity. Instead, he believes many employees will find ways to balance their passion for the sport with their professional responsibilities.
Majali also revealed that some members of his team have already approached management to discuss scheduling options during the tournament. These requests have largely focused on obtaining greater flexibility around working hours, particularly on days following high-profile matches that are expected to finish during the early morning hours.
Such discussions are becoming increasingly common as employees seek practical ways to manage the challenges posed by overnight kick-off times. Rather than taking extended periods away from work, many staff members appear interested in modest scheduling adjustments that would allow them to follow the tournament while continuing to meet workplace expectations.
In addition to considering flexible work arrangements, some companies are planning activities designed to bring employees together around the shared experience of the World Cup. Majali explained that his organization is exploring opportunities to organize group gatherings centered on selected matches.
These events could provide employees with a chance to enjoy the tournament collectively while strengthening workplace relationships. Watching important matches together may also help create a sense of community among colleagues who support different national teams.
Across the region, a growing number of businesses are viewing the World Cup as an opportunity to enhance employee engagement rather than as a source of disruption. Football’s universal appeal makes it uniquely positioned to unite individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures and nationalities.
This is particularly relevant in Gulf countries, where workplaces often consist of employees from many different parts of the world. During the World Cup, colleagues who might otherwise have little in common frequently find themselves brought together by a shared passion for the sport.
Despite the widespread interest in the tournament, relatively few organizations have introduced formal policies specifically related to the World Cup. GulfTalent’s findings indicate that only a small proportion of professionals reported that their employers had implemented dedicated guidelines or procedures for the event.
The survey suggests that approximately one out of every nine respondents works for a company that has established a specific World Cup policy. While this represents a minority of organizations, it demonstrates that some employers are taking proactive steps to prepare for the tournament’s potential impact on attendance, scheduling and employee well-being.
In most cases, however, businesses appear to be relying on existing workplace frameworks rather than creating entirely new policies. Flexible scheduling options, remote work arrangements and annual leave procedures already available to employees may provide sufficient support without requiring additional rules.
For many employers, this approach offers the advantage of simplicity. Existing policies can be applied as needed while allowing managers to respond to individual circumstances on a case-by-case basis.
At the same time, some organizations are choosing to embrace the excitement generated by the tournament in more creative ways. Rather than focusing solely on scheduling concerns, these companies are using the World Cup as an opportunity to strengthen team spirit and encourage employee participation.
Football-themed workplace initiatives are becoming increasingly popular in the lead-up to the tournament. Office prediction competitions, for example, allow employees to test their football knowledge by forecasting match results, tournament outcomes and top-performing teams.
Such contests often generate friendly rivalry among colleagues while creating opportunities for interaction across departments. Employees who may not regularly work together frequently find themselves discussing predictions, sharing insights and comparing results throughout the tournament.
Group viewing events represent another popular approach. Some organizations are planning to screen selected matches in communal spaces, allowing employees to enjoy key fixtures together. These gatherings can help foster a stronger sense of connection within teams while providing a memorable shared experience.
Other companies are considering themed celebrations, football quizzes and informal social events tied to major tournament milestones. These activities can contribute to a positive workplace atmosphere and provide employees with opportunities to relax and engage with colleagues outside of their usual responsibilities.
Human resources professionals often note that major sporting events can serve as valuable team-building opportunities when managed effectively. Shared experiences have the potential to strengthen workplace relationships, improve communication and boost overall morale.
The World Cup’s global appeal makes it particularly effective in this regard. Employees from different countries can celebrate their respective teams while gaining a deeper appreciation for the cultures and traditions of their colleagues.
For organizations operating in multicultural environments, this aspect of the tournament can be especially valuable. The event provides a natural platform for cross-cultural interaction and conversation, helping to create a more inclusive workplace environment.
The survey findings are based on responses from approximately 1,200 professionals located across nine countries in the Middle East. Participants represented a diverse range of industries, professions and organizational levels, providing a broad perspective on employee attitudes toward the upcoming tournament.
Countries included in the study were the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan. Together, these markets represent a significant portion of the region’s workforce and offer insight into broader workplace trends across the Middle East.
The results suggest that while late-night matches may create temporary challenges for employees and employers alike, the overall mood surrounding the tournament remains overwhelmingly positive. Most organizations appear prepared to accommodate reasonable requests for flexibility, while many are actively seeking ways to leverage the event to enhance employee engagement.
As the opening match approaches, football excitement is expected to continue building across offices throughout the region. Conversations about favorite teams, tournament predictions and standout players are likely to become even more frequent as the competition gets underway.
For employers, the challenge will be finding the right balance between supporting employee enthusiasm and maintaining business performance. For employees, the task will be managing sleep schedules and work commitments while enjoying one of the world’s most anticipated sporting spectacles.
Judging by the survey results, however, both sides appear ready to embrace the occasion. With flexibility, planning and a shared passion for football, many workplaces across the Middle East are preparing to turn the 2026 FIFA World Cup into an experience that extends far beyond the pitch.
