In the past year alone, “FIFA fever” has taken the greater Bay Area by storm. Last summer, hundreds of people flocked to Santa Clara when Argentine superstar Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates were staying at Santana Row’s Hotel Valencia before their away-match against the San Jose Earthquakes.
This summer, nearby Levi’s Stadium hosted a total of six matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup which culminated in a crucial showdown between the United States Men’s National Team and Bosnia and Herzegovina. And later this year, Los Gatos-based streaming giant Netflix will release The 99ers; a film depicting the historic world championship run of the 1999 United States Women’s National Team.
With the sport at the forefront of the minds of millions right now, it is highly likely that many people will be either playing soccer for the first time or returning to it this summer. And while healthcare professionals are glad to see people getting active, it is equally crucial to be aware of the risks that come with playing soccer and how to prevent them.
“Playing a team sport like soccer is obviously good for your physical, social and mental health,” says Dr. Adam Brown, D.O. of Kaiser Permanente-San Leandro. “But as we’ve seen with people who want to get back into sports, such as ‘weekend warriors,’ they can risk calf tears, hamstring injuries and quad[ricep] sprains if they’re not careful.”
According to Brown, common soccer-related injuries include—but are not limited to—lower-extremity injuries, ACL tears (tears of the Achilles tendon), contusions and concussions. Thankfully, many of these maladies can be prevented with stretching, proper dieting and staying well-hydrated.
“An analogy I like to use is a leaf; a dry and brittle leaf is easy to break but a wet leaf is not,” adds Brown. “The same applies to muscles, tendons and ligaments. The more hydrated the better.”
One tool recommended by Brown and various members of the global soccer community is the “FIFA 11+” initiative. Accessible online, this site provides a comprehensive overview of pre-game stretches and actions that one can take to prevent injury, as well as tips on recovery.
Because of the sport’s appeal for those of all ages, there has also been a surge in interest and popularity for the sport among middle-aged and older communities. Organizations such as Zog Sports and Volo Sports have allowed soccer players of all ages and abilities to form leagues with individuals of similar attributes.
“If you’re getting back into the game, it’s always a good idea to see your primary care provider for a check-up before doing so,” adds Brown.
While the 2026 FIFA World Cup will ultimately conclude on July 19, the hype, passion and excitement that will drive many to the pitch is just beginning.
Links for prevention of soccer-related injuries:
inside.fifa.com/health-and-medical/injury-prevention
orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/staying-healthy/soccer-injury-prevention
