NHS warns England fans not to skip A&E during World Cup 2026 matches after Euro 2024 data reveals 17,000 missed visits

NHS England has warned football fans not to postpone emergency medical care during World Cup 2026 matches, after data from Euro 2024 showed almost 17,000 fewer A&E attendances than expected across England’s games in the tournament.

The sharpest drop — an 11% reduction — came in the hour before kick-off, suggesting fans were actively avoiding hospitals as matches approached. England’s group-stage opener against Serbia produced an 8.8% decrease in attendances compared with the six-week average, while the quarter-final against Switzerland and the final against Spain saw falls of 5.9% and 5.7% respectively. Dips were more pronounced during weekend fixtures than midweek games.

The lull in attendances did not mean fewer people needed care. In the eight hours after matches ended, hospitals recorded a surge in demand, with the period between 1am and 2am seeing a 6.3% rise in admissions compared with the average for that time. NHS England attributed much of the post-match increase to a roughly 10% rise in trauma and musculoskeletal attendances, consistent with falls, assaults and other injuries.

Emma Rowland, NHS England’s national clinical lead for urgent and emergency care, said fans should treat their health as a priority regardless of what is happening on the pitch. “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,” she said.

Rowland added that NHS services would remain fully operational throughout the tournament’s 32 days of fixtures, including extra time and penalty shootouts. She urged anyone with an urgent need to call 999 in an emergency, or to use the 111 service or 111 online for other healthcare concerns.

Health officials also cautioned fans against behaviour during and after matches that could result in injuries requiring a hospital visit — a pointed reference to the post-match trauma spike seen at Euro 2024.