Why Do Some Football Fans Experience More Anxiety? Insights from the 2022 FIFA World Cup

Abstract Background Large sporting events, such as the FIFA World Cup, attract global attention and raise questions about psychological impact. Anxiety is among the most common mental health symptoms, but little is known about its predictors during international tournaments. This study explored predictors of anxiety during the FIFA 2022 World Cup. Methods This cross-sectional study included 1,331 respondents mostly residing in Saudi Arabia who completed an online survey during the FIFA 2022 World Cup (November–December 2022). The survey included sociodemographic variables, items related to the World Cup viewing habits, perceived effects of the tournament, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale. Results Although most respondents reported minimal anxiety symptoms (GAD-7 median score = 5, IQR = 6), 41.5% of the sample felt that watching the World Cup made them feel nervous. Females and younger adults reported significantly higher GAD-7 scores ( p < 0.001). Employment status and method of watching the matches were not significant predictors. Regression modelling revealed that age, gender, and perceived sleep disruption predicted 9.1% of the variance in GAD-7 scores ( p < 0.001). Younger age was the strongest predictor, while perceived sleep disturbance related to watching the matches predicted higher GAD-7 scores. Conclusions This was a population-based study of anxiety during the FIFA 2022 World Cup. Younger adults were more likely to report elevated anxiety, and sleep disruption was linked to higher GAD-7 scores. These findings highlight modifiable and non-modifiable predictors of anxiety and may inform public health strategies ahead of FIFA 2026.