Want to play hooky to watch the World Cup? U.S. coach has you covered

The World Cup used to be an afterthought for Americans. Not so anymore. The games are scoring record ratings this time around, despite the fact they’re taking place during work hours. Tomorrow at noon E.S.T, the U.S. team has its most momentous game, taking on soccer juggernaut Germany for the chance to advance to the final-16 team knockout round of the tournament.

The U.S. Soccer’s social media unit sense an opportunity. At 6:30 E.S.T. tonight, it posted a mock note of absence from work signed by team coach Jurgen Klinsmann. The tweet quickly showed signs of going viral, racking up 7,000 retweets in just over an hour. It was a stroke of brilliance for @usmnt, which has 1 million followers on Twitter.

Image via Photo Works

More in Marketing

Digiday+ Research: The 2026 guide to holiday marketing strategies, including A-Frame Brands, Mastercard and Ritual

Shoppers continue to grapple with higher prices and affordability, while brands face rising operating costs and increased pressure to prove their marketing dollars are delivering measurable returns. 

Inside the indie agencies founded by Omnicom and IPG’s former staffers

Thousands of media practitioners and creatives have left Omnicom since its merger with IPG. Some have already founded their own agencies.

Who owns the creative brief? Brands and creators are renegotiating the relationship

Brands are moving creators beyond sponsored posts and into the creative process, reshaping who influences marketing decisions.