The World Cup has begun, transforming the United States, Canada, and Mexico into a global football arena until mid-July. With 48 teams battling through 104 matches across 16 stadiums, fans worldwide are bracing for an emotional rollercoaster of unparalleled intensity.
This period of heightened passion brings with it significant psychological challenges, according to Dr Gbolagade Akintomide, a consultant psychiatrist and interim divisional medical director at Cygnet Healthcare. He explains that football fandom is deeply intertwined with personal identity.
"People identify with different football teams," Dr Akintomide notes, "Especially when it’s national teams. Therefore there’s a rollercoaster of emotion – from being nervous before the beginning of the match to being very happy when the team scores, to being disappointed – which can lead to those low moods." For devoted supporters, a team's fate feels profoundly personal. "This means that the failure and success of the team will be like a personal failure of success to them themselves," he adds.
The drama unfolding on the pitch triggers a powerful physiological response. Dr Akintomide highlights the body's "fight or flight" mechanism: "Physiologically, we have sympathetic reactions governed by adrenaline, in which prepares us for things that we think are challenges, threats or worries."
This primal instinct manifests as increased heart rates, faster breathing, and sweating. Beyond adrenaline, the body also releases cortisol. "It actually prepares us to be able to face the situation by making sure we have enough energy to release glucose from the liver, as well as aiding our motor coordination," he explains.
These hormonal surges can significantly impact mood and behaviour. "Cortisol, for example, can actually lead to fluctuations in moods," Dr Akintomide states. "It can lead to a low mood if the person is sad, or it can lead to excessive happiness if the person is too excited. Because of their nature, it can also lead to aggression and some other challenging behaviours."
To navigate these intense emotional periods, Dr Akintomide suggests practical strategies, starting with understanding personal triggers.
He advises fans to reflect: "Are you the kind of person that after the team has lost, are excessively unhappy for a prolonged period? Are you the kind of person that is quite short in temper or easily become angry and lash out because of the football result? Or are you the kind that tends to drink or gamble more?" He cautions that increased drinking and gambling can become unhealthy coping mechanisms. "Football is supposed to be a source of enjoyment, not a source of stress," he stresses.
Limiting online engagement is also crucial, as "When people are online arguing about the result, that can make things worse," Dr Akintomide explains, warning against "doom scrolling." Moderating alcohol intake is another key piece of advice, as excessive consumption can lower inhibitions and worsen mood.
Engaging in alternative enjoyable activities, such as a walk, exercise, listening to music, or deep breathing, can provide a vital outlet. "You can do some sort of mindfulness or go to relatives where you can talk to them, rather than being along or with people that you’re always arguing with about the football," he suggests.
Prioritising sleep is equally important, especially with late-night matches, as anxiety can severely disrupt sleep patterns. "Lastly, watch out for your sleep," Dr Akintomide advises.
Ultimately, individuals must practise emotional regulation. "I think people should regulate themselves during this time," he adds. If feelings of low mood, poor self-worth, or lack of self-confidence persist for more than two weeks, or if thoughts of life not being worth living emerge, these are serious indicators that professional help may be needed, and contacting a GP is essential.
Beyond individual well-being, it is vital to acknowledge the broader societal impact of major football tournaments. Research from the Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency in 2014 revealed a concerning increase in domestic violence incidents, which jumped by 38 per cent when England lose and by 26 per cent when they win.
Women and children are disproportionately at risk, prompting organisations like Women’s Aid to launch campaigns such as ‘The Other Kick Off’ to raise awareness and provide support.
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