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June 11, 2026— As the World Cup soccer tournament kicks off, fans around the globe are ready to celebrate the exciting action on the pitch. Cheering on your favorite team is fun, especially when you get to shout "GOOOAAAL!"

But did you know that being a soccer fan has the potential to influence your health? Sports fandom can have real health benefits—but it can also have risks.

The wins

You might be inspired to play soccer yourself. Playing a sport, like soccer, counts as good-for-you exercise. Being physically active can help reduce your risk for many chronic diseases, as well as boost your mood, help with weight control and more, reports the American College of Sports Medicine.

Many communities offer recreational soccer leagues for both adults and kids. Or you could grab a soccer ball and head outside to play with your family.

Supporting a team could lead you to discover nutritious new foods. You could lean into supporting your favorite World Cup teams by trying some of their cultures' cuisines. That might inspire you to discover healthy recipes based on popular dishes in other countries. That kind of food adventure is a great way to add flavor, variety and nutrition to your family's meals, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics notes.

You might find community. The World Cup brings people together, and that can be good for your health, says Mental Health America. Plus, being a fan can make you feel like you're part of a team yourself. And if you're feeling lonely and socially isolated, that sense of belonging may help to counter those feelings, which can harm your health.

The risks

Too much excitement could trigger heart trouble. Many fans experience intense emotional stress when watching their favorite team. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), it's even been known to trigger heart issues such as:

• Arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeats).
• Heart attacks.
• Cardiac arrest.

That risk is higher in people with a history of heart problems.

If your team is losing, take a break from the stress. Go for a short walk, or turn off the TV and catch the highlights later. Whether you're an emotionally invested sports superfan or not, you should never ignore Check out our healthy hummus recipe here. Or explore more healthy and satisfying snack ideas.

Gambling can hurt more than your wallet

Sports betting may be legal in many states, but it's not without risks, including addiction. One study found a 23% increase in online searches seeking help for gambling problems since a 2018 court decision that allowed states to legalize sports betting, the American Medical Association reports.

Sources

• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. "Global Foods for a Healthy Plate." https://www.eatright.org/food/cultural-cuisines-and-traditions/african/global-foods-for-a-healthy-plate.
• American College of Sports Medicine. "Being Active for a Better Life." https://www.exerciseismedicine.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/EIM_Rx-for-Health_Being-Active-for-a-Better-Life.pdf.
• American Heart Association. "A Net Benefit? Here's How Watching Soccer Might Affect Your Health." https://www.heart.org/en/news/2023/07/19/a-net-benefit-heres-how-watching-soccer-might-affect-your-health.
• American Heart Association. "These Duke and UNC Basketball Fans Agree: Healthy Habits Make for a Healthier March Madness." https://www.heart.org/en/news/2026/03/16/these-duke-and-unc-basketball-fans-agree-healthy-habits-make-for-a-healthier-march-madness.
• American Psychological Association. "Speaking of Psychology: The Psychology of Sports Fans." https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/sports-fans.
• JAMA. "The Hidden Health Costs Associated With Legalized Sports Gambling." https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2834666.
• Mental Health America. "Social Connections and Recreation." https://mhanational.org/resources/social-connections-and-recreation.