World Cup hangover? ZA Bank gives all employees an extra day off on 20 July 2026

The bank has reintroduced its ‘Football Hangover Leave’, allowing employees to sleep in and recover after the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 has finally come to an end. With many Hong Kong football fans staying up through the night watching the match, ZA Bank has brought back its popular ‘Football Hangover Leave’, granting all employees an extra day of paid leave on 20 July 2026 (Monday), the day after the tournament final.

Under the arrangement, employees will return to work on Tuesday instead. The bank said the initiative aims to allow colleagues to enjoy the match with peace of mind, make the most of an extended weekend, and recharge properly without having to “tough it out” or “call in sick” the next day.

With this year’s tournament being held in America, many matches have taken place during the early hours of the morning Hong Kong time. The final between Spain and Argentina was staged at 3am Hong Kong time on 20 July.

This marks the second time ZA Bank has introduced the leave initiative. The bank said it received an overwhelmingly positive response when it was first launched during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with employees beginning to ask about its return as soon as this year's tournament got underway.

“The global football tournament brings the whole city together. We want our colleagues to fully enjoy the matches without worrying about work the next day,” said Calvin Ng, CEO of ZA Bank (pictured below).

“By reintroducing Football Hangover Leave, we are giving the team an extra paid day off so everyone can rest well and come back feeling ready.”

The initiative reflects ZA Bank’s continued efforts to turn major sporting moments into meaningful employee benefits. In addition to the Football Hangover Leave, the bank also granted employees an extra day off in 2024 to celebrate Hong Kong athletes’ achievements at the Paris Olympic Games.

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All photos / ZA Bank