World Cup fan safety: What to do if you are injured at a match

The World Cup round of 16 is underway, and we are hoping that football will return to its rightful home. With all the excitement, match safety is not necessarily at the forefront of the mind for travelling fans.

However, history shows that things can go wrong. Following the 2022 Champions League Final in Paris, serious crowd management failures led to widespread disruption and injury. Additionally, earlier 2026 World Cup games such as Scotland v Haiti on the 14 June, led to concerns of overcrowding as fans tried to enter the Boston Stadium. These incidents are stark reminders that even world-class events can present real risks to fans.  

If you are planning to attend a World Cup match this summer, Leigh Day travel partner Colin Murphy and paralegal Sam Routh share some practical steps to help you stay safe and understand your rights if something goes wrong. 

Who is responsible for fan safety at the World Cup? 

 The World Cup is among the largest global sporting events, attracting vast crowds and international attention, and this year it is taking place across the United States, Mexico and Canada in the 16 host cities. Delivering a safe experience requires coordination between multiple parties including local authorities, security providers, match organisers and venue operators. If systems fail, and fans are injured as a result, there may be grounds for legal action. 

What can go wrong at major sporting events? 

Recent events across the United States and Mexico demonstrate that even large, high-profile events are not immune from serious safety failings. Incidents included overcrowding, poor crowd control, inadequate security and even structural collapses and resulted in significant injuries to fans. 

How can fans stay safe? 

• Plan ahead: Before travelling, ensure you have suitable travel insurance, plan your route to and from the stadium, and arrange meeting points with your group. 
• Arrive early to avoid congestion: Getting to the stadium within the recommended timeframes can help you avoid peak entry periods, where overcrowding and bottlenecks are more likely to occur. 
• Stay aware of crowd conditions: Pay attention to your surroundings, particularly in busy areas such as entry points, concourses and transport hubs. 
• Avoid high-density areas where possible: If sections appear overcrowded, consider moving to a safer space rather than pushing forward or remaining in a confined area. 
• Follow official guidance: Listen to instructions from stewards and security staff, who are responsible for managing crowd flow and responding to emerging risks. 
• Act early if something feels unsafe: If you notice dangerous conditions, such as crushing, surging crowds or blocked exits, try and move away where possible and alert event staff immediately. 

What should you do if you are injured at a match abroad? 

If you are injured while at a match, move to a safe place as quickly as possible and seek medical attention if needed. 

Once you are safe, it is important to gather evidence where you can. This can be crucial if you later decide to seek legal advice or pursue a claim. 

What evidence should you gather at the stadium? 

If you choose to pursue a legal claim, it is important to have clear evidence of the incident and injury. This includes: 

• Taking photographs of your injuries 
• Reporting the incident to event organisers, stewards or local authorities and requesting a copy of any report made   
• Holding on to your ticket and travel documents as proof of attendance 
• Keeping receipts for any damaged or lost belongings and medical expenses  

Keeping a clear record of what happened can make a significant difference in establishing how the incident occurred and who may be responsible. 

Attending any tournament, especially a World Cup can be an exciting experience and should not be overshadowed by safety concerns. By planning ahead, staying aware of your surroundings and knowing what to do if something goes wrong, you can help protect both your safety and that of those around you. 

How Leigh Day can help 

Our personal injury travel team has extensive experience of supporting clients through legal claims for injuries that occurred abroad, including at sporting events. If you have suffered an injury whilst at a match, our specialist travel team can advise you on your rights and guide you through bringing a claim. Contact our team today for a free, confidential consultation.