Uzbekistan is adjusting its work schedule to allow citizens to watch a historic moment in the country’s sporting history as the national football team prepares for its first-ever FIFA World Cup match.

Government offices across the country will begin work at 10:00 a.m. (GMT+5) on June 18, two hours later than usual, due to Uzbekistan’s opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, presidential spokesperson Sherzod Asadov announced, The Caspian Post reports via RBC.

Asadov noted that President Shavkat Mirziyoyev plans to watch the game at home with his family and grandchildren and supported the decision to delay the start of the workday so more people can follow the national team’s debut on the world stage.

“Our president will watch the match at home with his family and grandchildren. He announced that on June 18 all government organizations will begin work at 10 a.m.,” Asadov said.

The match against Colombia marks a landmark achievement for Uzbek football, as the national team is competing at the FIFA World Cup for the first time in its history.