Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase are temporarily relaxing office attendance requirements for employees during the World Cup, allowing staff to work remotely on match days amid expected transport chaos in host cities. The move comes as hundreds of thousands of football fans prepare to descend on New York and New Jersey for eight matches, including the final at MetLife Stadium.

Both banks have been vocal critics of remote work in recent years. David Solomon previously called it an 'aberration' while Jamie Dimon railed against homeworking policies. Citigroup has taken a different approach, maintaining flexible work policies and encouraging hybrid-role staff to work remotely in host cities during the tournament.

The temporary concessions highlight logistical challenges facing the month-long tournament, which will strain transport networks across host nations. Rail services near MetLife Stadium will restrict access to ticket holders four hours before kick-off. Employers are bracing for heavier congestion and longer commutes as millions travel between matches and fan zones.

Despite forcing staff back to offices full-time, these measures show remote work remains a viable contingency tool. Goldman economists forecast Spain has a 26 per cent chance of winning the World Cup, ahead of France and Argentina. The policy shift signals pragmatism trumps ideology when major events disrupt normal operations.