THE NHS is urging football fans not to ignore health problems during the FIFA World Cup 2026, after a new analysis revealed a significant drop in A&E attendances during England matches.
Pre-Match Drops in Attendance
The data showed that, during Euro 2024, there were just under 17,000 fewer attendances than expected during England matches across the tournament.
In 2024, England’s group-stage opener against Serbia saw the greatest fall in A&E visits, with 8.8% fewer patients attending A&E than the six-week average.
The quarter-final against Switzerland (5.9%) and the final against Spain (5.7%) also saw substantial drops.
Further, attendances fell more sharply when England played at weekends, compared with weekday matches.
The most substantial decline in attendances was in the hour before the start of a match, when services experienced an 11% decline.
Post-Match Surge in Attendance
Declines in attendance, the data revealed, were followed by a spike in demand in post-match hours.
A&E saw hundreds more patients attend in the eight hours following matches, amid a roughly 10% increase in trauma and musculoskeletal visits, consistent with falls, assaults, and other injuries.
The largest surge in admissions at the last Euros was a 6.3% rise between 1am and 2am, compared to the average for the relevant period.
Emma Rowland, National Clinical Lead for Urgent and Emergency Care, NHS England, London, UK, addressed fans at the start of England’s World Cup campaign: “We know that the World Cup is a highlight in any football fan’s calendar, but even the most die-hard supporter needs to ensure they put their health first and seek emergency treatment when they need it.
“The NHS will be available as it always is throughout the next 32 days of football action – including through extra time, penalties and beyond – so if you need care, please don’t hold off coming forward.
“Please enjoy the tournament – but not in a way that turns a great night watching England into an unnecessary trip to A&E.”
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