How insurance is helping prevent own goals at 2026’s World Cup

This summer’s Fifa World Cup – held between 11 June and 19 July 2026 – will bring together 48 football teams playing 104 matches in 16 host cities across three countries.

Hundreds of thousands of fans will attend the matches across North America, while millions more will watch on television – in pubs, bars and parks across the globe.

An event on this scale and with this complexity is only possible due to the network of insurance coverage that mitigates numerous risks and protects those watching – whether viewing in the US, Canada and Mexico, or on home turf.

In the worst case scenario, Fifa – which stands for the Fédération Internationale de Football Association – can protect any lost revenue and expenses incurred in connection with possible tournament cancellation or rescheduling through event cancellation insurance.

While some of these policies offer broad, all-risk coverage, triggered by any unexpected cause not expressly excluded, others cover only specific named perils or causes – such as pandemic related events.

Meanwhile, construction and liability exposures associated with stadium upgrades in the run-up to the event need specific insurance cover. And, for the millions of supporters seeking to travel to various matches, robust travel insurance is non-negotiable.

Simon McCulloch, chief growth officer at Staysure, told Insurance Times: “Comprehensive cover for a trip like this means high medical expense limits, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment, disruption cover and, critically, cover for pre-existing conditions.

“With the current travel landscape, disruption cover is no longer a nice to have – it’s essential. North America is one of the most expensive healthcare environments in the world. Advisors need to look hard at policy limits before recommending anything. A cheap policy that leaves a customer underinsured at that point isn’t really cover at all.”

Travellers attending major global sporting events, such as 2026’s World Cup, should also consider tailored insurance add‑ons to reflect the risks of long‑haul travel, crowded venues and schedule changes.

Andrew Tolman, head of travel insurance at Allianz Partners UK, explained: “Enhanced trip cancellation or interruption cover is particularly important to protect against unscheduled changes, delays or event cancellations.

“Additional medical and emergency evacuation cover can offer reassurance in destinations with high healthcare costs. Baggage and personal belongings cover is also advisable, given the higher risk of loss or theft in busy environments, while event ticket protection can help safeguard the cost of non‑refundable match tickets.”

McCulloch added that fans travelling to North America for the World Cup this summer must consider a number of specific factors when assessing the risks they face and arranging travel cover.

He continued: “Prioritise medical cover and buy early. Cover for cancellation only applies if the policy is in place before an event occurs, so leaving it late creates unnecessary exposure.

“Ensure pre-existing conditions are declared and covered. Underdeclaration is a common problem and it leaves travellers without the protection they think they have.

“Our claims data shows just how expensive the US healthcare system can be, with average repatriation claims approaching £20,000 and some eclipsing the six figure mark. Being completely transparent about your health history when purchasing [insurance] is the single most important thing a traveller can do.”

Commercial considerations

In April 2026, the UK government confirmed that the country’s pubs will be allowed to extend their opening hours during key World Cup matches – and should, therefore, expect an increase in customers, particularly when the home nations are playing.

This licensing relaxation represents a large commercial opportunity for the hospitality industry, but with bigger crowds, later nights and higher alcohol consumption, the risks for pub operators are raised.

Sarah Brown, commercial customer business resilience director at Axa Insurance UK, emphasised that pub landlords need to plan ahead and be aware of the Fifa World Cup key event dates.

She advised: “Pay attention to any national or local events taking place throughout the tournament that could also have an impact. Consider the impact of match days – especially those featuring the home nation teams – on trade levels, customers numbers and demographics.

“Consider how you will manage customer numbers if you are likely to approach maximum permitted occupancy levels – for example, [implementing] one-in, one-out admission systems with door security.

“Consider if you need to deviate from normal operations to accommodate these changes. Be aware of times of matches that could create increases in customer numbers at unusual times of day – for example, England’s final group stage game kicks off at 10pm.”

Employers’ liability (EL) insurance is legal requirement for pubs with staff – but managers must ensure that if they are hiring temporary staff during the World Cup to accommodate higher customer volume, that these short-term employees are covered by the pub’s EL policy. Otherwise, these venues could face a £2,500 charge for every single day they are uninsured.

Public liability insurance is not mandatory under UK law, but could be essential for pubs heaving with football fans.

Laura Court-Jones, small business editor at comparison site Bionic, noted: “Legal fees or compensation costs from a single incident could add up.

“A customer slipping on a spilt drink or a crowd related injury could result in costly claims, so it’s important to consider having the right cover in place to help protect your pub in the event that any of these things happen.

“With larger crowds come greater risks of accidental damage. Buildings and contents insurance can help protect the physical aspects of premises, including the building itself and fixtures and fittings. This can help in the event of unexpected damage.”

Behind football’s quadrennial celebration, there is a network of insurance and risk management processes providing protection at all stages of planning and execution.

As fans around the globe gather to enjoy the action of the Fifa World Cup, it is the insurance market that ensures any own goals will be avoided.