The thrill of the 2026 FIFA World Cup isn't just exciting — it could be dangerous for your heart. Research from the 2006 World Cup found cardiac emergencies were nearly 2.7 times higher during Germany's matches. Experts say fans, especially those with heart disease, should stay hydrated, watch their salt intake, and keep up with their medications.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is in full swing across the US, Mexico, and Canada — and while the excitement is electric, cardiologists are sounding a note of caution. Emotional stress from high-stakes game-watching can spike blood pressure and cortisol levels, putting serious strain on the heart. For fans with known or undetected heart disease, those surges can trigger acute cardiac events, including heart attacks and stress-related cardiomyopathy (also known as "broken heart syndrome").
The science backs this up. A landmark 2008 study in The New England Journal of Medicine analyzed data from 4,279 patients during the 2006 World Cup in Germany and found a striking spike in cardiac emergencies on game days — particularly within two hours of kickoff.
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Why it matters: With the World Cup drawing massive crowds and watch parties this summer, cardiologists urge fans — at home or in stadiums — to stay hydrated, moderate salty and fatty foods, and never skip their heart medications in the excitement of the moment.
