At 3 AM Malaysia time on the 20th, the 2026 World Cup final between the US, Canada, and Mexico will reach its climax. While most Chinese fans are still worried about being late for work that day, a bank has offered employees the benefit of reporting to work later.
According to 21st Century Business Herald, multiple employees posted on social media the notice from Tailong Bank regarding a "delayed start time": "In order to further enhance employee happiness and allow our Tailong football fans to both enjoy this football feast and enter work with better spirits, the headquarters has decided, after research, that except for positions necessary for ensuring normal business operations, colleagues in all other positions may delay the work start on July 20th (Monday) until 10:30 AM."
The report points out that this move by Tailong Bank is not a temporary publicity stunt, but rather an ongoing tradition of many years. As early as the 2018 Russia World Cup, the bank issued a notice allowing employees to report to work late on the day of the final.
The report also notes that every time there is a nationwide sports event like the World Cup, the banking industry's sports marketing campaigns also escalate. Issuing themed credit cards, launching cashback promotions, selling commemorative precious metals, and sponsoring sports events have become common ways for banks to engage with major sporting events.