Tamaulipas state government cuts workday for World Cup opening

The government of the Mexican state of Tamaulipas authorized state employees to finish work at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday so they could watch the FIFA World Cup opening match between Mexico and South Africa. Secretary of Administration Luisa Eugenia Manautou Galván said the measure applies to operational staff, allowing roughly 5,000 workers to leave early, while essential services such as health, public safety and tax offices will remain fully operational.

Employees in managerial and senior positions are expected to stay at their posts but may view the game from within government facilities. The temporary schedule aims to let the public support the national team without disrupting critical government functions. About 15,000 total state workers are covered by the decision.