FIFA World Cup 2026: Why experts are warning fans not to drink alcohol

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is more like a celebration for football lovers. From packed stadiums and bustling fan zones to pubs overflowing with supporters, alcohol has long been woven into the culture of football fandom.

But as temperatures soar across several FIFA World Cup 2026 host cities this summer, and even at destinations like India, where football fanatism is just as much, health experts are warning that the combination of alcohol and extreme heat could pose a serious risk to spectators.

Why alcohol and heat can be a risky combination

On their own, both alcohol consumption and extreme heat place stress on the human body. Together, experts say, their effects can become far more problematic.

According to health specialists interviewed by the Associated Press, alcohol can interfere with the body's ability to regulate temperature while also increasing fluid loss through urination.

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This may contribute to dehydration, dizziness, headaches, confusion and fatigue - symptoms that can easily be mistaken for ordinary intoxication but may actually signal the onset of heat exhaustion.

Researchers often describe this interaction as a "synergistic effect", meaning the combined impact of heat and alcohol can be greater than either factor alone. In crowded stadiums, fan parks or outdoor viewing areas where temperatures remain high for hours, this risk becomes even more pronounced.

What the science says

Scientific interest in the relationship between alcohol and heat exposure has increased as climate change drives more frequent and intense heatwaves.

A 2024 systematic scoping review published in the journal Temperature examined how alcohol affects human physiological responses to heat stress.

Researchers noted that alcohol consumption has long been associated with increased illness and mortality during periods of extreme heat, although they also found that more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms involved.

The review highlighted several pathways through which alcohol may influence heat tolerance, including effects on cardiovascular function, blood vessel dilation and fluid balance.

Researchers concluded that while laboratory findings remain limited, epidemiological evidence consistently links alcohol consumption with greater vulnerability during heatwaves.

Another study published in European Journal of Applied Physiology investigated how alcohol affects thermoregulation during heat exposure. Researchers found measurable changes in physiological responses after alcohol consumption, suggesting that drinking can alter the body's normal mechanisms for coping with heat.

Meanwhile, broader research on heat stress has repeatedly shown that dehydration increases cardiovascular strain and makes it harder for the body to cool itself effectively. Once dehydration develops, sweating becomes less efficient and the risk of heat-related illness rises substantially.

Why World Cup spectators may be particularly vulnerable

Unlike athletes, spectators often underestimate their exposure to heat.

Fans may spend hours travelling to stadiums, queueing outdoors, sitting in direct sunlight and consuming alcohol before, during and after matches. Many are also tourists unfamiliar with local weather conditions.

Researchers have repeatedly identified older adults, individuals with cardiovascular disease, people taking certain medications and those unaccustomed to hot climates as particularly vulnerable to heat-related illness. Children can also be at greater risk because they regulate body temperature differently from adults.

The danger is not confined to the stadium itself. Medical experts note that alcohol can continue affecting hydration status and recovery long after drinking has ended, potentially increasing vulnerability the following day if temperatures remain high.

Growing concern over World Cup heat

Heat-related concerns surrounding the 2026 World Cup have been building for months.

Climate scientists have warned that several host cities could experience conditions associated with elevated heat stress. Some analyses suggest that temperatures inside and around venues could become challenging for both players and spectators, particularly during afternoon kick-offs.

Recent controversy has also emerged around spectator access to drinking water. Medical experts have expressed concern that restrictions on reusable water bottles at certain venues could discourage adequate hydration during periods of extreme heat. They argue that easy access to water is one of the most effective defences against heat-related illness.

Warning signs fans should not ignore

Heat-related illnesses exist on a spectrum. Early symptoms often include excessive thirst, dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, muscle cramps, and nausea.

If left untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heatstroke - a medical emergency characterised by confusion, loss of consciousness, dangerously high body temperature and potential organ damage.

One challenge is that many symptoms overlap with alcohol intoxication, making it easier for both individuals and their friends to underestimate the seriousness of the situation.

How fans can stay safe

Experts are not necessarily telling supporters to avoid alcohol altogether. Instead, they are urging moderation and preparation.

Recommendations commonly include drinking water regularly throughout the day, alternating alcoholic drinks with water, eating before consuming alcohol, limiting high-alcohol beverages, seeking shade whenever possible, wearing lightweight clothing, applying sunscreen, looking out for friends and family members, and taking breaks from direct sun exposure.

Public health specialists also emphasise that thirst alone is not always a reliable indicator of hydration, particularly during prolonged heat exposure.