A new medical warning has revealed that excessive alcohol consumption during World Cup matches could damage male fertility for months after the tournament ends.
Experts warn that a single session of excessive drinking can lead to a decline in sperm quality for up to 90 days.
Dr. Sophie Dex, medical officer at MedExpress, explained that the body needs between 70 and 90 days to produce healthy sperm to compensate for the damage caused by alcohol, and any drink consumed during this period resets the effect to zero, meaning that drinking habits during the summer of 2026 could have effects that extend into the fall of the same year.
These warnings came after a survey conducted by MedExpress involving 1,000 British men revealed that more than a third of participants (35%) planned to drink the equivalent of approximately 1.5 liters of beer during a single match, while 22% expected to drink approximately 2.8 liters, and 5% would consume more than 5.7 liters per match.
Research has indicated that even moderate consumption – a minimum of 5 units of alcohol per week – is associated with a decrease in sperm quality, and the problem worsens with increasing quantity, leading to a decrease in sperm concentration, number, and motility.
Dr. Dix pointed out that many men may overlook these risks, especially since alcohol is part of the celebratory atmosphere, but she stressed that couples trying to conceive should be more aware, because the effects of drinking during the tournament can last long after the final whistle.
