While millions of fans prepare to follow the inauguration of the FIFA World Cup 2026 This June 11, a regional survey used the language of football to portray how workers perceive themselves within their organizations.
The study “Working World Cup, what position do you play?”, carried out among workers from Panama, Argentina, Chile, Ecuador and Peru by the recruiter Konzerta, found that the 40% of Panamanians identify with the role of midfielder, a figure associated with coordination, support for colleagues and the connection between different work areas.
The investigation, in which they participated 3,696 people from the region, classified the workers into five profiles inspired by soccer positions: goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, forward and technical director.
Behind the midfielder profile was that of technical director, with a 30% of the answers. The goalkeeper, defender and striker profiles each recorded a 10%.
Beyond the football analogy, the results show what characteristics workers value within their work environments. He 65% stated that the greatest satisfaction in their work comes from helping their colleagues, while 23% said they enjoy achieving long-term goals.
The survey also identified which aspects are most appreciated in a job. Professional growth and stability led the responses, both with 27%. They were followed by order at work (21%), the possibility of being creative (15%) and the work environment (10%).
Among the main problems detected by the respondents, the lack of commitment or vision within the organizations stood out, mentioned by the 32% of the participants. Individualism also appeared (23%), chaos and the absence of clear rules (22%), extreme improvisation (14%) and excess bureaucracy (8%).
Another finding was the way in which workers deal with conflicts. He 46% assured that he usually acts as a mediator when a difference arises within the team, while the 27% He said that he intervenes to defend those he considers less supported.
Although the study coincides with the beginning of the World Cup 2026 and uses football references to classify work behaviors, its results reflect participants’ perceptions of their roles within organizations and not a measurement of work performance.
