MoneyWorld Cup 2026The time difference between the UK, the US, Canada and Mexico means matches are kicking off late at night, or even in the early hours, means the day after is when absences are most expected13:24, 10 Jun 2026Updated 13:27, 10 Jun 2026World Cup fans are predicted to take at least 3.6 million sick days during the tournament - at a cost of £94million to employers.‌The time difference between the UK, the US, Canada and Mexico means matches are kicking off late at night, or even in the early hours, means the day after is when absences are most expected.‌Late kick-offs and extended licensing hours at pubs are also expected to have an impact on sickness rates, according to payroll services BrightHR.‌The risks of calling in sick when you aren't actually ill include disciplinary action and in severe cases, even being sacked.As well as a surge in sick days, BrightHR data shows businesses are also expecting a big increase in holiday requests.‌June 18, the day after England’s first group match against Croatia, which has a 9pm start time, is already the most booked off day for over-60s for the whole tournament.Alan Price, CEO at BrightHR, said: "There could be many reasons for this. With a 9pm kick off, maybe older employees are planning a lie in after a late night."Or other workers could potentially be saving their annual leave for the school holidays, which start just after the tournament ends."‌You can request holiday around the World Cup, but your boss does not have to approve your time off.They also do not have to approve requests for you to start work later, if it is not in the interests of the business. Employee lateness increased by 50% after Euro 2024 matches.Employers can decline annual leave requests to ensure that business needs are met, and this is no different during the World Cup.‌For bosses deciding whether to approve holiday or not, Mr Price said: "It's advisable not to use any criterion that you wouldn't normally use to help you decide."For example, granting the request of an English employee over that of an employee of another nationality for time off the day after an England match, because this could give rise to claims of discrimination."It is also down to employers to decide whether to allow their staff to watch matches while working. BrightHR says this decision will most likely come down to what type of work you do, and will mainly affect shift workers this tournament.Article continues belowBrightHR analysed absence data from more than 1.2 million employees from 68,879 businesses across the UK.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌World Cup 2026