As the do-or-die elimination drama of the World Cup is now in full swing, excitement has heightened, captivating billions of football fans worldwide. From packed stadiums in the US, Canada, and Mexico to bustling cafés, homes, and public viewing areas around the globe, it is celebration everywhere.
In every World Cup, we find a surprise team, and in 2026, that story revolves around Cape Verde, an archipelago and island nation off the coast of West Africa. Entering the tournament as underdogs, few expected Cape Verde to advance from a challenging group containing renowned football nations.
Their focus, defensive structure, and remarkable team unity have enabled them to make history at the 2026 World Cup by defying all odds and becoming the smallest country to earn a spot in the knockout stages of the competition.
However, the world's largest football event began with attention focused on the sport's greatest stars: Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland. The legends continue to make history.
For Messi and Ronaldo, what may be their final World Cup appearance has become another remarkable chapter in their extraordinary careers. At 39 and 41, respectively, both stars have shown that their passion for competing at the highest level remains as strong as ever.
Although the legends still endure, the younger generation demonstrates its readiness to advance the sport with their firm presence. Mbappé has further cemented his World Cup legacy, increasing his total to 16 World Cup goals and approaching the all-time record.
And, of course, players such as EHaaland, Ousmane Dembélé, and Vinícius Júnior have also become key figures in driving their teams' successes.
Now, with the knockout stage bringing thrilling moments, football enthusiasts should also be aware of the impact of sacrificing sleep for their passion — staying awake late into the night and sometimes until dawn, all while maintaining their usual daily routines.
For many, it starts with watching a single match but often extends to multiple matches, resulting in lost sleep, accumulated fatigue, and significant difficulty functioning the next day.
Specialists caution that unusual start times may lead to prolonged sleep deprivation. "Although the enthusiasm is understandable, it results in a consistent loss of sleep throughout the month," they state.
Temporary sleep deprivation may not pose a significant threat to young and healthy individuals, but insufficient sleep lasting more than a week can be dangerous for everyone. Ultimately, lack of sleep can lead to various health problems, including heart issues, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar levels, anxiety, stress, and depression, experts warn.
An analysis shared on LinkedIn highlights a well-known fact: major sporting events can significantly disrupt sleep patterns, especially when matches occur overnight or in the early hours of the morning.
Sleep deprivation, combined with post-game exhilaration, can lead to difficulty concentrating, mood swings, impaired judgement, and dangerous drowsiness the following day.
"Just a couple of days without sufficient sleep can make an individual feel lethargic, fatigued and unable to focus. It may also affect mood, resulting in irritability and hindering the ability to carry out everyday tasks at work, school, or home," an expert told the Hindustan Times newspaper.
A video produced by Loughborough University highlights concerns about driver fatigue, stating, "Being tired isn’t always unsafe, but it becomes a serious issue when combined with safety-critical tasks like driving. For most people, driving is one of the most hazardous activities they undertake daily, making sleep loss especially significant during events like the World Cup."
The final takeaway from the LinkedIn analysis is that “Football matters, but your health matters too.” By preparing in advance, carefully selecting which games to watch, and protecting your sleep whenever possible, you can enjoy the tournament while minimising its impact on your health. Ultimately, no one wants to experience the World Cup feeling fatigued.
However, one fact remains: when the World Cup begins, the entire world awakens and starts to dream. Nevertheless, fans should not forgo all the excitement; experts recommend that they stay adequately hydrated and avoid excessive caffeine and heavy late-night meals.
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