People watching the World Cup during work hours is leading to a drop in productivity

NPR | By Rafael Nam

Published July 13, 2026 at 4:02 PM EDT

The global economy may be suffering from lost productivity as people get swept by World Cup fever, a survey shows. This small business owner would know. She's spent most of her days watching matches.

NPR News

Rafael Nam

Rafael Nam is NPR's senior business editor.

Support nonprofit, fact-based public service journalism

WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.

Contribute now

Related Content

Man shot to death by ICE agent in southern Maine

Ari Snider

A Colombian man was fatally shot by an ICE agent this morning in Biddeford, Maine. Sen. Angus King says he was told the man had "weaponized" his vehicle when the shooting occurred.
NPR News

Pakistan urges restraint as its Mideast deal unravels

Diaa Hadid

Pakistan urges restraint as Iran and the U.S. clash and a memorandum of understanding unravels.
The White House aims to give political appointees more power over research funding

Katia Riddle

Under Trump, the Office of Management and Budget has proposed a rule change that would shift authority for grant making to political appointees. Experts say it could negatively affect U.S. science.
'Jurassic Park' actor Sam Neill dead at 78

Anastasia Tsioulcas

Actor Sam Neill died Monday at the age of 78. He had a wide-ranging career over some 50 years — but is perhaps most well-known for his role as Dr. Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park franchise.
Checking in from a World Cup RV tour across America

Jason Fuller, Ailsa Chang, Janaya Williams

The World Cup is down to its final four teams. CBS Sports' Nico Cantor checks in from his cross-country RV tour to break down the biggest storylines and what's next.