As Spain prepares to face Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final in New York, millions of fans across Europe will be watching with bated breath. But cardiologists are urging caution: the emotional rollercoaster of a high-stakes match can pose real health risks for those with underlying cardiovascular conditions.
Dr. José Abellán, a Spanish cardiologist, explains that the body's response to a tense football match mirrors its reaction to a physical threat. “There is a release of stress hormones that activate us. Surges of cortisol and catecholamines are released, putting us in a state of stress,” he says. This hormonal surge raises blood pressure, accelerates heart rate, and promotes blood clot formation—factors that, in people with compromised hearts, can trigger a heart attack or arrhythmia.
Research supports this concern. A landmark study in The New England Journal of Medicine after the 2006 World Cup in Germany found that cardiovascular emergencies increased 2.7-fold during matches involving the German national team. More recently, a study by Bielefeld University, published this year in Scientific Reports, confirmed that even fans watching from their sofas experience significant spikes in heart rate and stress levels during top-level football.
Who Should Be Extra Cautious?
The greatest risk is for individuals who have already suffered a heart attack, have stents, or live with hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, or a history of arrhythmias. But Dr. Abellán emphasizes that the match itself is only part of the problem. “What you need to look after is everything around the match. These are days of national jubilation when it is not just the game, but I watch it after a big feast, with junk food, with alcohol or with other drugs,” he warns.
He also highlights a phenomenon known as “Holiday Heart” or “party heart syndrome,” where excessive alcohol consumption—common during celebrations—can trigger atrial fibrillation. When combined with the emotional stress of a final, the risk multiplies, especially for those with a cardiovascular history.
Three Symptoms Never to Ignore
While a racing heart during a tense match is normal, Dr. Abellán identifies three symptoms that should never be dismissed as mere nerves:
- Crushing chest pain – a sensation of a heavy weight on the chest that may radiate to the shoulder, neck, or back, often accompanied by sweating.
- Sudden shortness of breath – difficulty breathing that appears without warning.
- Persistent palpitations – a rapid or irregular heartbeat that continues even after the excitement subsides.
“If you have any of these three symptoms, get checked. Get checked,” the doctor insists.
Enjoy the Match, but Use Your Head
The good news is that football itself does not cause heart attacks. The real danger arises when pre-existing cardiovascular disease is combined with intense stress, alcohol, heavy meals, smoking, or lack of sleep. Dr. Abellán advises fans to remember that it is just a sport. “Watch it calmly, with family and friends. And food, alcohol, all of that should be consumed in moderation,” he concludes.
For those planning to watch the final, it is worth noting that Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez will attend the match in New York before flying to Algeria. Meanwhile, the EU Sport Commissioner has backed Spain as the tournament's strongest team. And for those concerned about air quality, a separate report warns that smoke exposure at the final could be equivalent to smoking 10 cigarettes.
