World Cup 2026: England fans warned not to delay A&E visits just because the football’s on
Football fans are being urged not to delay seeking medical help after new data revealed a significant drop in A&E attendances during England matches at Euro 2024.
NHS England highlighted that nearly 17,000 fewer people than anticipated visited emergency departments while England were playing.
The most pronounced dip, an 11% reduction, occurred in the hour leading up to kick-off.
The group-stage opener against Serbia saw an 8.8% decrease in A&E patients compared to the six-week average, while the quarter-final against Switzerland and the final against Spain also experienced drops of 5.9% and 5.7% respectively.
Attendances fell more sharply during weekend fixtures than midweek games.
However, this lull was often followed by a surge in demand, with hundreds more patients requiring care in the eight hours after matches concluded.
Experts from NHS England are now advising the public to continue seeking care as they normally would, rather than postponing visits until after a game. They also cautioned against activities that could lead to injuries and subsequent A&E trips following matches.
NHS England said this was driven in part by around a 10% increase in trauma and musculoskeletal attendances, consistent with falls, assaults and other injuries.
The biggest increase in admissions at the last Euros was between 1am and 2am, when services experienced a 6.3% rise compared with the average for that time period.
Emma Rowland, NHS England’s national clinical lead for urgent and emergency care, said: “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.
“The NHS will be available as it always is throughout the next 32 days of football action – including through extra time, penalties and beyond – so if you need care, please don’t hold off coming forward.
“Use NHS services as you would normally, dial 999 in an emergency and otherwise use 111 or 111 online for your healthcare needs.
“Please enjoy the tournament – but not in a way that turns a great night watching England into an unnecessary trip to A&E.”
