Surge in Football Injuries in UAE Amid World Cup Excitement

Jul 13, 2026

74 min

Jul 13, 2026 01:30

FIFA World Cup fever leads to sports injuries among UAE residents, doctors warn

## Rising Football Enthusiasm

As the FIFA World Cup captivates the UAE, a noticeable increase in football-related injuries has been reported among both children and adults. The excitement has led many to take up the sport, but doctors are cautioning against common mistakes that can lead to serious injuries.

## Common Injuries and Missteps

Orthopaedic specialists in the UAE have observed a rise in ankle and knee injuries. Dr. Ahmed Dohiem from Medcare Orthopaedics and Spine Hospital highlights that ankle injuries are often underestimated, sometimes leading to severe conditions like stress fractures or cartilage damage. Similarly, knee injuries, including ligament tears and meniscus damage, are prevalent due to the sport's physical demands.

## The ACL Concern

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are particularly concerning. These injuries often occur without contact, typically from awkward landings or sudden twists. Recovery from an ACL tear can take up to a year and may involve surgery and extensive rehabilitation.

## Prevention and Safety Tips

Doctors emphasize the importance of not playing through pain and ensuring proper fitness before returning to the sport. They recommend structured warm-up programs like FIFA 11+ to reduce injury risks. Strengthening exercises, proper footwear, and avoiding overtraining are also crucial.

## Role of Coaches and Parents

Coaches should focus on age-appropriate training that includes strength and balance exercises. Parents are advised to take injury complaints seriously and ensure children complete rehabilitation before returning to play. Preventive measures are essential to safeguard young athletes' long-term health.

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