At a downtown Toronto office tower, Waasil Khadaroo was waiting for Portugal versus Congo before catching the second half of England against Croatia later in the day. The senior financial analyst describes himself as a “really big England fan” and said there has been a “buzz” around his workplace as colleagues check scores and gather around shared screens.
The presence of Canada as a co-host has added another layer to the excitement. Toronto and Vancouver are staging matches, giving businesses and commercial properties a natural reason to turn spare areas, lunchrooms and rooftops into viewing spaces.
Khadaroo, however, sees the value in keeping the spectacle under control. “We're still working at the end of the day,” he said.
That balance is central to the workplace appeal. Shekhtman believes major sporting events can give colleagues from different departments a common focus, helping employers lift morale and ease the pressure of the working week.
The opportunity is less about allowing football to take over than recognising that employees are already interested. A scheduled screening, clear expectations and a communal setting can turn scattered conversations into genuine social contact.
Property owners are responding too. Jodi Clare said Cadillac Fairview is running a weekday viewing lounge at Toronto’s TD Centre, while selected matches are being shown with snacks and drinks on a rooftop linked to CF Pacific Centre in Vancouver.
Clare described the aim as giving occupants “another reason to leave their desks and spend time together”. It is a simple proposition, but one with wider implications: the office building becomes a meeting place, not merely a place to work.
As the tournament continues, the next run of matches will test whether that enthusiasm lasts beyond the biggest fixtures. For employers, the winning formula may be clear-embrace the football, protect productivity and let shared viewing create connections that remain after the final whistle.