Football fever can mean real-life benefits as soccer can help people of all ages get moving and stay healthy, according to American Heart Association
NEW YORK, June 25, 2026 — As the FIFA global championship captivates fans this summer, the American Heart Association says the excitement can translate into real-life health gains—because playing soccer is a powerful way to improve heart and brain health at any age.
“Staying active is essential for both heart and brain health, and soccer delivers a unique combination of endurance, strength and high-intensity exercise,” said Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, MBA, President of the New York City American Heart Association Board of Directors and Director of the Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital in New York City. “The best part is that anyone can do it—no gym or expensive equipment required. From casual games to solo practice, soccer is an easy and engaging way to stay healthy at any age.”
Dr. Bhatt noted that, unfortunately, most people aren’t moving enough. According to the American Heart Association’s 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics, only 1 in 4 adults and 1 in 5 youths 6 to 17 years of age in the U.S. meet national recommendations for being physically active.
Physical activity is an important component to overall heart health by helping to: manage weight, lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.
Regular exercise can also: improve mood, reduce stress and anxiety and lead to better sleep.
“With only a fraction of adults and youth meeting physical activity guidelines, we’re setting the stage for higher rates of heart disease and other chronic conditions,” said Dr. Bhatt. “These diseases develop over decades, but research shows that starting healthy habits early can change that trajectory. Soccer is uniquely accessible—it can be played anywhere, by anyone, and at any skill level.”
Soccer also offers the kinds of physical activity that can improve brain health, by boosting aerobic capacity and oxygen and blood flow to the brain.
In addition to its physical benefits, soccer offers important mental and social advantages. The team-based nature of the sport fosters connection, camaraderie and emotional well-being.
“Consistent physical activity plays a critical role in cardiovascular health by improving heart function, enhancing blood flow and reducing key risk factors such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and excess weight,” said Dr. Bhatt.
Throughout the championship, fans in New York are also getting the opportunity to learn a powerful, lifesaving skill. The American Heart Association is bringing its Nation of Lifesavers™ mobile CPR unit to the FIFA Fan Festival in Central Park. At the unit, people will be able to practice Hands-Only CPR, learn how to recognize cardiac arrest to respond quickly and build confidence to take action in an emergency. The initiative supports the Association’s goal to double the survival rates of cardiac arrest by 2030 by empowering more people to act in an emergency.
“Cardiac arrest can happen anytime, anywhere, often at home with someone you love. Knowing Hands-Only CPR empowers you to act quickly and potentially save a life before emergency responders arrive.”
This summer, the American Heart Association encourages fans to turn inspiration into action—get moving, get playing and take a step toward better health. Learn more at Heart.org.
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For media inquiries:
Mark Hurley; mark.hurley@heart.org; 917-445-0207
Ella Beames; ella.beames@heart.org; 212-878-5910