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FIFA World Cup drives surge in UAE sports injuries, doctors warn

UAE doctors report a rise in muscle strains, sprains, and fractures among residents due to increased physical activity during the football tournament.

By 19Network Editorial Team · Jul 13, 2026 · 3 min read

A soccer player grimaces while clutching his bandaged knee on a green field during a competitive match.

As FIFA World Cup fever sweeps the UAE, doctors are reporting a surge in sports injuries among residents. Find out what precautions they recommend to stay safe. Read more.

Hospital emergency rooms across the UAE have reported a notable increase in sports-related injuries, coinciding with the heightened enthusiasm surrounding the FIFA World Cup. Doctors indicate a rise in muscle strains, sprains, and fractures, primarily affecting young adults and teenagers engaged in recreational football and other physical activities.