The ultimate guide to watching the World Cup at work

6. Just go for it

Perhaps none of the above work for you. Perhaps there’s no way to hide that you’re not going to be doing your job and will instead be watching soccer.

Then do the opposite. Make no effort to hide it. Flaunt it. Decorate your desk with flags and merchandise of your favorite countries. Tack the game schedule up somewhere around your desk. Make every conversation about how excited you are.

Stress a couple things though: This comes around only once every four years. Make the implicit claim that this is not the norm. This is a special occasion, and you’re celebrating it because it deserves to be celebrated.

Also mention how you have no intention of slipping from your usual productivity. “It’s going to be difficult pulling myself away from my work, but I’m just going to have to. I’ll work off the clock to catch up, but the times of these games are just too difficult. I’m going to come out of these weeks feeling so proud of myself for not only doing my job, but doing it happily. I love working here. I love you. Let’s make out. Just kidding. Or am I? Oh my god that was inappropriate, but I’m just so excited.” Then eat your food extremely quickly.

That kind of thing. If you make it seem so obvious that this is something important to you, you might find your bosses/coworkers are more willing to let it slide. If you’re generally liked and respected, it’ll be even easier. If you’ve been an ass to this point, maybe stop being one of those. That’s good advice regardless.