With kick-off in this year’s World Cup just days away, football fans across the UK have been advised to stay hydrated and get enough sleep to help manage the toll of weeks of late-night matches. Experts at the University of Dundee also said limiting alcohol intake and looking after your teeth are key to staying fighting fit through all 104 games in this summer’s tournament.
The 2026 World Cup finals are taking place in North America, with the first match being played in Mexico City on June 11, and the final taking place in New Jersey on July 19. Lisa Ferguson, an expert in dermatology at the university’s Faculty of Health, said for many fans alcohol is a key part of the matchday experience – but that excessive intake can have a big impact on health.
“Alcohol can dehydrate the skin, increase inflammation, and make conditions such as acne, rosacea, and dryness worse,” she said. “Try to stay well-hydrated, limiting alcohol where possible, and keeping up a good skincare routine can all help to keep skin healthier and reduce some of these effects.”
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She described water as “the best option for staying hydrated”, adding that it supports skin elasticity and circulation, and will help skin look healthier and less dry. She also reminded fans with the energy to “venture out in the daytime” to remember to use SPF 30+ sunscreen, and to be “mindful that alcohol can increase the risk of dehydration and sunburn”.
With kick-off times during this year’s tournament ranging between 5pm and 5am UK time, the experts also reminded supporters of the well-documented link between a good night’s sleep and good health. Paul Smith, Faculty of Health lecturer, said most adults should aim for around seven to nine hours of sleep per night, which he said “helps to support overall health, wellbeing, concentration, and skin repair”.
He added: “Poor sleep can also reduce the skin’s ability to repair itself, leading to dullness, dark circles and puffiness.” Mr Smith also had some advice for fans on how to cope with the stress of nail-biting matches.
“My biggest coping strategy will be one I use a lot for stress before, during and after all stressful situations, called the three-minute breathing space,” he explained. “There are a host of breathing exercises that can calm people down, so find one that works for you and adopt it when necessary.”
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Many fans are unlikely to have considered the link between the World Cup and dental health – but the experts said a cocktail of alcohol, caffeine, stress and snack foods can take its toll. Dr Ignacio Gandia Navas, from Dundee’s School of Dentistry, said: “Teeth may get affected in many different ways during the World Cup, including by decay and acid attack.
“Eating while watching football is an enjoyable experience, however, it can affect teeth if decay-promoting snacks are eaten.”
He said the same applies to some alcoholic drinks, which can erode teeth due to their low pH, while stress is also a factor as during a tense match a supporter is more likely to clench and grind their teeth. He went on: “For these reasons, it is essential to maintain your oral health during the World Cup.”
He reminded fans of the need to maintain a proper toothbrushing routine, and to allow at least 30 minutes between their last snack or drink before brushing. He continued: “Also, do not have any other food or drink after brushing your teeth before bed.
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“For those who are recommended to wear a mouth guard at night due to grinding their teeth, then remember to do so as this will protect them.”
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