Do rates of STIs go up during major events like the World Cup?

Summary:

Large social gatherings can make the spread of STIs more likely.
Practicing safe sex can reduce your risk of getting an infection.
Alcohol, expanding social circles, and new contexts can reduce inhibitions.

Major sporting and cultural events can bring people together in exciting ways. They can also temporarily change how people socialise, travel, drink, date and make decisions about sex.

That doesn’t mean events like the World Cup directly cause instances of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to rise, but they can create conditions where people may be more likely to have new sexual partners, have sex without a condom, or delay testing and treatment.

Safe sex can help prevent STIs, but it doesn’t work every time.

Get tested

Almost every year, the European Centre for Disease prevention and Control issues advisories to practice safe sex during the summer months. In 2026, these warnings become more pertinent with the recent rise in some STIs like Gonorrhoea and Syphilis all over the continent.

The World Cup is already being flagged as a potential super-spreader event, raising concerns about whether World Cup events could lead to a spread of all sorts of infections, including STIs.

Why might incidents of STIs go up during events like the World Cup?

There are a few reasons why public health experts often pay close attention to sexual health around major events.

More social interactions = more chance to hook up

Large events often create a more social atmosphere. Fans gather in pubs, bars, fan zones, house parties and city centres, and people may be more open to meeting others outside their usual circles. More social contact doesn’t automatically mean more STI transmission, but it can increase the likelihood of new or casual sexual encounters.

New contexts, new behaviours

When people are away from home or swept up in the atmosphere of an event, they may behave differently from how they usually would. Travel, hotel stays, holidays and late nights can all make planning ahead less likely. Someone who would normally carry condoms, take PrEP consistently, or book regular sexual health checks may find their usual habits disrupted. About one in five international travellers engages in casual sex, nearly half of which are unprotected.

Alcohol and other substances change behaviour

Alcohol and other substances can affect decision-making, confidence and communication. They may make it harder to discuss boundaries, agree on condom use, remember contraception, or recognise when a situation is becoming unsafe. This is one reason why harm-reduction messages around major events often focus on planning ahead rather than relying on decisions made in the moment.

What can I do to stay safe?

A few simple steps can reduce your risk and help you feel more confident and secure during any large event.

Carry condoms if there is a chance you may have sex, and use them for vaginal, anal and oral sex to reduce the risk of many STIs. You should also keep in mind that, while condoms greatly reduce your risk of getting an STI, a condom doesn’t cover all parts of the genitals. Some STIs can spread through skin-to-skin contact. Condoms can also fail in some instances.

FAQs

Can I have an STI without noticing any symptoms?

Yes. Many STIs can have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all, which means someone may not realise they have an infection. Testing is the only reliable way to know your status, especially after sex with a new partner or sex without a condom.

When should I get tested after sex during a major event or trip?

It depends on the infections being tested for, as different STIs can take different amounts of time to show up on a test.

Should I get tested before going to a major event?

If you think you may have sex with a new partner, testing before you go can help you make informed decisions and avoid passing an infection on without knowing. It can also make it easier to act quickly if you need treatment.

Can I reduce my risk if I don’t have condoms?

The safest option is to avoid sex until you can access condoms or other protection. If sex does happen without a condom, try to stick to lower-risk activities like oral sex or outercourse.

Final thoughts

Major events are a good opportunity to talk openly about sexual health, encourage testing, reduce stigma and help people make informed choices. Enjoying the moment and looking after your health should go hand in hand.

If you think you may have been exposed to an STI, contact Better2Know to book an STI test near you.