Ambulance service plea for World Cup 2026

Yorkshire Ambulance Service is appealing to the public to stay safe during the World Cup 2026 football tournament which kicked off on 11 June. 

Alcohol-related incidents are expected to increase, particularly during England’s and Scotland’s group matches which start on Wednesday 17 June and Saturday 13 June respectively. 

Alcohol is expected to play a big part in social gatherings at home or in pubs and bars. Unfortunately, excessive drinking tends to increase incidents of assaults, including those against ambulance staff, domestic violence and other alcohol-related call-outs. 

Marc Thomas, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer for Yorkshire Ambulance Service, said: “We want football supporters to enjoy the World Cup but we know that heightened emotions and excessive alcohol consumption can put additional pressure on our services. 

“Please be responsible if you’re drinking alcohol and please don’t drink so much that you endanger yourself and need our help. This has the potential to take away resources from people who are suffering from life-threatening injuries or illnesses. 

“Unfortunately, our staff are often on the receiving end of verbal and physical abuse during major football tournaments. This is totally unacceptable at any time and we will look to prosecute anyone who uses violence against our staff. Please treat them with the respect they deserve.” 

Tips for a safe night out include the following: 

• Eat before drinking; if your stomach is empty when you start drinking, the alcohol will enter your bloodstream faster. 

• Have a soft drink or water between alcoholic drinks to slow the rate of your drinking. 

• Keep away from hostile situations. If there is a fight or an argument, stay out of it and get help from security/door staff or the police. 

• Stick with your mates and look after each other; there’s safety in numbers. 

• Plan a safe way of getting home, either by designating a non-drinking driver or booking taxi beforehand – don’t leave it to chance. 

If someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk, they should call 999 immediately. For anyone with less serious illnesses or injuries, they should consider: 

• self-care 

• local pharmacy 

• calling NHS 111 or visiting 111.nhs.uk 

• GP surgery 

• urgent treatment centre 

• making their own way to the emergency department.