Swedish employees show a 57% higher chance of taking short-term absences during weeks with international football championships compared to other weeks in June and July, Statistics Sweden said on June 17, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. Short absences occur at a rate of 19% during weeks without championships, rising to 27% during weeks with football championships [1, 2, 3]. "Short absences from work were 19 percent in weeks in June and July when no championship was taking place, while it was 27 percent in weeks when there was a football championship," Statistician Lena Johansson said [1].
Statistics Sweden analyzed data spanning two decades, from 2005 through 2025, to establish these patterns [1, 2, 3]. Johansson also cautioned that absences cannot be fully attributed to the championships, but noted a clear correlation: "Absences from work during a European or World Cup football championship cannot be completely linked to the championship itself. However, statistics show that the odds of absence increase in connection with a European championship or World Cup." [2]
Many Swedish workers reportedly take odd days off or start their summer vacations early during the World Cup to follow matches live, which often air during European night hours [1, 2, 3]. These late-night matches encourage absences the following day to recover or watch games.
Sweden currently leads Group F after a 5-1 win over Tunisia and is set to play the Netherlands on June 18, 2026, in Houston [1, 2, 3]. Winger Anthony Elanga highlighted the unifying effect of the tournament on the country, saying, "It's crazy what a championship can do for Sweden, for the whole of Sweden. It's just so cool to see everyone together, and how important and powerful it can be, and hopefully we can give more joy to the country and win more matches for them." [3]
Sweden's match against the Netherlands on Saturday marks the next key event amid increased worker absences correlated with the ongoing championship [1, 2, 3].
