PETALING JAYA: Forget the comfort of the living room couch or the chaotic energy of the local mamak stall.
For the FIFA World Cup 2026, a new breed of football fans is finding stadium-level thrill in the most unexpected arena of all – the office.
With work shifts making it difficult to gather at mamak stalls due to matches often kicking off before dawn, the workplace has quietly transformed into viewing parties filled with cheers, banter and late-night excitement before and after working hours.
Contact centre team leader Mohammad Farizul Azri Mohammad Fisol, 33, said the office atmosphere during match nights is something that cannot be replicated at home.
“The vibe is different here. Everyone is hyped up together, cheering every attack and celebrating every goal,” he said when met at his office here on Tuesday.
As a passionate Norway fan, he said the journey of striker Erling Haaland has made the experience even more thrilling.
“The match against Brazil was very tense, but England will be another tough test after they managed to beat Mexico.
“So I hope Haaland continues to shine in the quarter-finals and takes Norway all the way to the final,” he said.
For business coordinator Mohammad Arif Mohd Ghazali, 36, the decision to stay back at the office is driven by the energy of shared reactions.
“Nothing compares to that shared, chaotic rush when everyone leaps to their feet as one.
“We shout, we laugh, and even tease supporters of rival teams. That makes it more enjoyable than watching alone at home,” he said.
He added that the timing of matches makes the office the most practical option to watch the games.
“If I finish work late, I will just stay back. If I am on the morning shift, I will come in before my reporting time just to watch with colleagues. It is much better than being alone at home,” said the England supporter.
He said the knockout stage has already delivered plenty of drama.
“England has previously faced tough matches against Mexico and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the knockout stage.
“So the quarter-final match against Norway will definitely be another exciting one. Hopefully England can keep going all the way,” he said.
For telesales executive Nur Haizad Zainal Abidin, 38, the World Cup has turned the office into a very different environment from its usual routine.
“It creates a special atmosphere. The office becomes lively, relaxed and full of laughter instead of just work pressure. It also brings colleagues closer together,” he said.
Fresh from Spain’s dramatic last-minute victory over Portugal on Tuesday, which secured “La Roja” (nickname for the Spanish team) a place in the quarter-finals, Nur Haizad said the sleepless night was more than worth it.
“I was absolutely delighted because Spain won. It made staying up all night completely worthwhile.
“It was an intense match, and the victory made it even more special. I hope Spain can keep this momentum going and lift the FIFA World Cup for the second time,” he said.
