The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, to be played this Sunday, July 19, promises to keep millions of fans on edge for 90 minutes—or even longer if there is extra time or penalties. Yet the thrill is not only felt on a psychological level: it also has a direct impact on the body.
The uncertainty of the result, the emotional identification with a team, and the intensity with which each play is experienced trigger the body’s natural stress response, even when the spectator remains seated in front of the television.
Numerous studies have shown that this type of event triggers the release of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, capable of increasing heart rate, elevating blood pressure, and keeping the body in a state of alert for several hours. In healthy individuals these changes are typically transient, but in people with hypertension, coronary disease, heart failure, or certain arrhythmias, the emotional load can raise cardiovascular risk. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine concluded that watching a particularly stressful game increased the risk of a cardiovascular emergency by 2.66 times during Germany’s matches at the 2006 World Cup.
“During a final, the heart can accelerate even when the person is not exercising. This response should not by itself be interpreted as a disease, but it is wise to take extra precautions when there is a known cardiovascular problem, especially if the emotion is accompanied by alcohol —such as beer—, tobacco or discontinuation of medication,” explains José Luis Zamorano, head of the Cardiology Department at the Sanitas La Zarzuela University Hospital.
The “football fever,” demonstrated by science
The phenomenon known as “football fever” has also been analyzed using wearable technology. A study published in Scientific Reports in 2026 monitored 229 fans over twelve weeks with smartwatches and observed that the average stress level rose by 41% on the day of a final compared with non-match days.
The researchers also found that heart rate began to rise even before the initial whistle, peaked during the decisive moments of the match, and remained elevated for several hours after the game ended. The study also concluded that attending the stadium or consuming alcohol further intensified this physiological response.
The brain also remains on alert
From a psychological standpoint, attempting to completely suppress nerves is often counterproductive. Experts explain that the advisable approach is to accept that emotional activation will occur and to prevent it from turning into a feeling of loss of control.
The environment also plays a significant role. Noise, arguments, collective tension, or constantly checking social media comments prolong the brain’s state of alert even during the match breaks.
“Enjoying a major match means accepting that nerves will appear. When the tension rises too much, it is useful to step away from the screen for a few minutes, reduce stimuli, and remember that the outcome does not depend on the spectator. This distance helps regain a sense of control without having to miss the game,” says Soledad Scarcella, psychologist at Sanitas.
Affects more fans aged 45 to 65
Scientific evidence shows that fans aged 45 to 65 constitute one of the most vulnerable groups, as hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, or coronary disease are more common in these ages, even if they remain undiagnosed.
The most relevant study on this topic, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, analyzed 4,279 cardiovascular emergencies recorded during Germany’s World Cup campaign in 2006. The results showed that on days when the German team played, cardiovascular emergencies were 2.66 times higher than during control periods. Among men, the risk rose to 3.26 times, and most events occurred during the first two hours of the match.
Moreover, the researchers observed a significant increase in:
- ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: ×2.49.
- Non–ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction or unstable angina: ×2.61.
- Severe arrhythmias: ×3.07.
The risk was especially high among people with preexisting cardiovascular disease. More recent studies using physiological monitoring devices (wearables) have also shown that during finals of major competitions fans experience a significant increase in heart rate and physiological stress, peaking during goals, penalties, and decisive moments of the match. Alcohol consumption can further amplify this response.
It is important to note that the vast majority of people will enjoy football without health issues. However, those with hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, a history of cardiovascular disease, or who are smokers should approach these matches with particular caution, avoiding excessive alcohol, heavy meals, and tobacco, in addition to maintaining their regular treatment.
How to reduce the physical and emotional impact during the final
To minimize the impact that a World Cup final can have, especially for those with cardiovascular conditions or risk factors, experts recommend following a series of guidelines.
- Maintain treatment and routines. Antihypertensives, anticoagulants, and the rest of the medications should be taken at their usual times. Do not omit doses, double them, or rely on anxiolytics without medical prescription.
- Avoid factors that heighten the body’s response. Excessive alcohol can raise heart rate and promote dehydration. It is also advisable to limit tobacco use and avoid energy drinks during the match.
- Take small breaks. Rest is a good moment to stand up, walk a few minutes, and practice slow, deep breathing. Slightly lengthening the exhale helps to gradually reduce the level of physiological activation.
- Choose a calm environment. People with intense anxiety or cardiovascular diseases can watch the game in a quieter setting, with comfortable temperature, and keeping medication within reach at all times.
- Reduce time on social media. Constantly checking comments, controversies, or reactions keeps the brain in a state of alert and can increase emotional tension.
- Do not ignore warning signs. If during the match there is persistent chest pain, shortness of breath, cold sweat, severe dizziness, or any discomfort that does not go away, seek medical assistance immediately. Waiting for the match to end can delay essential care.
Emotion is part of sport, but with limits
“When nerves persist for hours, prevent sleep, or trigger repeated episodes of distress, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. Emotion is part of sport, but it must stay within limits that allow enjoyment without ignoring the body’s signals,” concludes the psychologist.
In short, living the World Cup final with intensity is part of the experience for millions of fans. However, when emotion becomes excessive stress—especially for people with cardiovascular diseases or risk factors—it’s prudent to take some precautions so that football remains just a source of entertainment. Keeping up with medications, avoiding excesses, and listening to the body’s signals are simple actions that can make a difference. Because, beyond the score that the scoreboard dictates, the true victory is being able to enjoy the game calmly and without jeopardizing health.
