No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeNewsCosta Rica Allows time off to watch match against New Zealand

Costa Rica Allows time off to watch match against New Zealand

President Rodrigo Chaves authorized a one-hour recess for Central Government employees to watch La Sele’s match against New Zealand. The game will be played on Tuesday, June 14 and is a decisive one, as the winner will seal its ticket to the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

The Presidential Office informed this Friday the hour off will be added to the regular lunch break for public employees, so that they will be able to enjoy Costa Rica’s game from noon to 2 p.m.

The permit applies to officials of the Central Government. However, the President also urged the Legislative and Judicial branches, as well as autonomous entities and the private sector, to allow their workers to enjoy the game.

However, essential service workers will not be able to enjoy the hour off. Employees from public hospitals, clinics and Ebáis, as well as workers from the Juan Santamaría International Airport and the Transit Police will work their regular hours.

“Tuesday, June 14 is a very special day for all of us who love our ‘Sele’ and our Costa Rica. More than 13,000 kilometers away there will be 11 warriors on the field to culminate a historic qualification,” mentioned the President.

Chaves explained that despite high expectations regarding the Costa Rican national team’s chances of qualifying to the World Cup next Tuesday, he is unable to grant the day off to officials.

“Obviously we all want to see that game, but the country is in a complex situation,” said Chaves.

“To give a holiday or not to give a holiday, I decided to split it in half. That is why we are going to give public sector employees an extension in their lunch hour to enjoy the game, so that we can send all the good vibes and excitement of a people passionate about the most beautiful sport in the world,” the president announced.

The President of the Costa Rican Soccer Federation indicated that “if our national team qualifies, the time off will almost be forced, I see very few people returning to work.”

The Ticos are anxious and eager for the match to start, to see their national team qualify for the World Cup. Undoubtedly, if it they make it, there would be a tremendous celebration in Costa Rica.

Trending Now

Costa Rica’s President Fernández Calls Attorney General a National Disgrace

President Laura Fernández unleashed a barrage of personal attacks on Costa Rica's top judicial officials on Wednesday, calling the country's attorney general a "national...

Costa Rica Wildlife Crossings Bill Faces Risk of Being Shelved

A bill that would require wildlife crossings to be included in Costa Rica road projects is at risk of being shelved, prompting warnings from...

Costa Rica Tourism Brand Cancels Uber Alliance After Backlash

Costa Rica’s nation brand, esencial Costa Rica, and export promoter Procomer reversed a tourism marketing alliance with Uber just one day after announcing it,...

Costa Rica Tornado Tears Roofs Off Homes in Grecia; Three Rescued, Red Cross Says

Residents of Grecia, in the province of Alajuela, captured video on Saturday afternoon of a tornado-like whirlwind tearing through their neighborhood, ripping roofs from...

Peru’s Ignacio Buse Stuns Tommy Paul in Hamburg, Ends 19-Year ATP Title Drought

Peruvian qualifier Ignacio Buse outlasted American sixth seed Tommy Paul 7-6(6), 4-6, 6-3 on Saturday to win the Bitpanda Hamburg Open, capturing his first...

Fonseca Shines, Etcheverry Falls as Latin Americans Split French Open Opener

The second Grand Slam of the tennis season opened Sunday at Stade Roland-Garros with a mixed scorecard for the Latin American contingent, as 19-year-old...

Panama Scraps Tax on Casino and Betting Winnings to Attract Tourists

Panamanian authorities have announced the scrapping of a 5.5% tax on winnings from table games and betting. The measure aims to attract foreign players...

Costa Rica’s Northern Neighbors Are Quietly Rewriting Central America Tourism

Tourism between El Salvador and Guatemala is consolidating as one of Central America's strongest growth stories, with millions of cross-border travelers fueling a regional...

El Salvador Added to Wanderlust 2026 Green Travel List

British travel magazine Wanderlust placed El Salvador on its Green Travel List for the first time in the 2026 edition. The publication singled out...
🌴 The Weekly Pura Vida

Costa Rica, Once a Week

The week's top stories, weather & insider tips — delivered every Sunday. One email, zero clutter.

🔒 Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Loading…

Latest News from Costa Rica

Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador

Live prediction market odds via Kalshi. Updates every 60 seconds.
Kalshi is available to US residents 18+. The Tico Times may earn a commission from new signups.

Costa Rica Car Rentals
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Travel