Fans take summer leave for World Cup despite winter timing

Some devoted football fans in Finland are scheduling work and holidays around the FIFA World Cup, even when the tournament falls outside the traditional summer period.

Timo Tiensuu, 55, from Mustasaari, always takes his summer leave during the World Cup. Gustaf Häger, 60, a postal worker from Närpes, adjusts his work hours to stay up and watch matches overnight.

Tiensuu, a former player himself, began taking leave during the tournament in 1994 after watching all matches that year while working at ABB. His dedication has led to unusual compromises, including taking summer leave in December 2022 for the Qatar World Cup. His family, including his 12-year-old son and partner, have adapted to his schedule.

Häger, who has followed the World Cup since childhood, manages to balance work and late-night viewing by negotiating flexible hours. Both men acknowledge the physical toll but consider it worthwhile.

Annina Ropponen, a research professor at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, notes that voluntary sleep disruption for a passion project is different from chronic sleep deprivation. She does not see their approach as a health risk, as they compensate for lost sleep by adjusting their routines.

The 2026 World Cup features a record 48 teams and 104 matches, making it a demanding schedule for fans. While not every game is watched live, both Tiensuu and Häger prioritise the tournament, recording matches if necessary and maintaining regular eating and hydration habits.