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How to Join World Cup Small Talk at Work

During the World Cup, the first 5 minutes of every Zoom meeting and every trip to the office coffee machine will be about soccer. If you don't follow the sport, here are easy, safe phrases to help you participate in the office small talk without faking it.

⚡️ The Quick Answers

1. Morning Meeting Icebreakers

Use these while waiting for everyone to join the Zoom call or gathering in the conference room.

The general check-in
Use when: When there was a big game the night before.

"Did anyone catch the game yesterday? Sounded like a crazy finish."

The schedule struggle
Use when: When games are happening during working hours.

"Is anyone secretly streaming the game on their second monitor today?"

The tired fan
Use when: When you know a coworker stayed up late to watch a game.

"You looking a little tired today, John! Was the 2 AM game worth it?"

2. What to Say on Slack or Teams

If your office has a #sports or #random channel going crazy over a match.

Reacting to an upset
Use when: When a smaller team beats a big team and everyone is shocked.

"I don't follow soccer closely, but even I know that was a massive upset. Incredible."

Asking for the TL;DR
Use when: When you log on and see 50 unread messages in the sports channel.

"Okay, I missed the whole thing—someone give me the 10-second summary of what just happened?"

Emoji only
Use when: The safest way to participate.

"🤯 or 🍿 or 👀"

💡

Customize: React to other people's messages rather than typing your own.

3. When Your Coworker's Team is Playing

If you have colleagues from different countries, asking about their national team is a great way to show interest.

Before their game
Use when: When you know their national team plays later.

"Big game for your team today! Are you feeling confident?"

After a win
Use when: When their team won.

"Congrats on the win yesterday! They looked really solid."

After a loss
Use when: When their team was eliminated.

"Sorry about the game yesterday. That was a tough way to go out."

4. How to Gracefully Deflect

When someone assumes you watch and asks for your detailed tactical opinion.

The honest pivot
Use when: When asked a specific soccer question.

"I actually only tune in for the World Cup every four years, so I'm mostly just enjoying the drama. Who do you think is going to win it all?"

Focusing on the vibes
Use when: When you want to keep the conversation going without talking stats.

"I don't follow the tactics, but I love the energy of the World Cup. The crowd atmosphere looks incredible."

What NOT to Say at Work

  • "I don't understand why people care about sports." (This comes across as arrogant and dismissive of your colleagues' interests.)
  • Trash talk that goes too far. (If someone's national team just got knocked out, they might actually be quite sad. Read the room.)
  • Pretending you know more than you do. (You'll get caught immediately. People prefer genuine curiosity over fake expertise.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to talk about the World Cup at work?

Not at all. But if everyone in the breakroom or on Slack is discussing it, having a few simple questions in your back pocket can help you build rapport with colleagues.

What if a coworker asks me a detailed question I don't know the answer to?

Just be honest! Say, 'I actually don't follow the tactics too closely, I'm mostly just watching for the drama. What do you think about it?' People love to share their own opinions.

Is it appropriate to talk trash about someone's team at work?

Keep it extremely light. Gentle teasing is fine if you have a close relationship, but sports fans can be sensitive. It's usually safer to compliment their team or ask about their chances.