Here’s how much the 2026 World Cup will cost companies in lost employee productivity—the number is staggering

A UKG survey of 8,000 workers in eight countries estimates the 2026 FIFA World Cup could cost employers $17 billion globally in lost productivity, including $11.7 billion in the U.S. It found many employees plan schedule changes, absences, fatigue, on-the-job streaming, and some may job hunt if work interferes.