Brazil public servants granted flexible hours for 2026 World Cup matches

The Ministry of Management and Innovation in Services (MGI) issued Portaria 4.779, allowing Brazilian public employees to leave work early on days when the national football team plays in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The permitted departure times vary with match start times, ranging from 11:00 a.m. for 14:00 matches to 19:00 a.m. for 22:00 matches (Brasília time). Unworked hours must be compensated between 3 August and 30 September 2026. The directive also permits teachers to replace classes with supervised activities or make‑up sessions, and bans assessments on match days.

The measure applies to all federal, state and municipal agents, aiming to accommodate fan attendance while maintaining public‑service continuity through later compensation.