After the Final Whistle: What the World Cup Reminded Us About Recovery, Alcohol and Women's Safety

For many people, the FIFA World Cup was about football, gathering with friends, celebrating their team and enjoying the atmosphere.

But as the celebrations fade and the final whistle blows, it's important to reflect on another conversation the tournament brought into the spotlight, and one that extends far beyond football.

This year's World Cup once again highlighted the role alcohol plays in sporting culture, and the impact that increased alcohol and substance use can have on individuals, families and communities. For women in recovery, and for those living with someone whose substance use affects their safety or well-being, major sporting events can present challenges that are often overlooked.

At Sycamore Hope, we believe these conversations shouldn't end when the tournament does

Football isn’t the problem, but our relationship with alcohol deserves attention

In the UK, football and alcohol have become closely intertwined, whether it’s meeting friends at the pub before kick-off, celebrating a victory with drinks or hosting parties at home; alcohol is often viewed as part of the match-day experience.

For many people, this isn’t problematic.

However, research consistently shows that alcohol consumption increases during major sporting tournaments, and that increased alcohol use can contribute to a range of harms, including accidents, poor mental wellbeing, relationship conflict and relapse for those recovering from substance use.

As a charity supporting those affected by problematic substance use, we know these moments can feel isolating. While others are celebrating, those in recovery may be navigating cravings, avoiding situations that no longer support their wellbeing or feeling pressure to return to environments they have worked hard to leave behind.

Choosing not to drink during a tournament centred around alcohol isn’t “missing out.”

It’s choosing yourself.

When someone else’s substance use affects your life

Not everyone has the choice to simply leave an environment where alcohol or drugs are present.

Many women are living with, caring for or supporting someone whose substance use has a significant impact on daily life. For some, periods of increased drinking can lead to heightened tension, unpredictable behaviour or unsafe situations at home.

Research examining major football tournaments has found that reports of alcohol-related domestic abuse increase following international matches. Importantly, researchers are clear that football itself does not cause domestic abuse, and neither does alcohol. Responsibility always lies with the individual choosing abusive behaviour. However, alcohol can intensify aggression and reduce inhibitions where abusive behaviour already exists.

This year’s Women’s Aid campaign, “The Other Kick Off,” brought national attention to this issue. Rather than focusing on the excitement of the first match, the campaign highlighted another moment. 11:37 pm, the time domestic abuse was predicted to rise following England’s opening World Cup fixture.

It was a powerful reminder that while many people celebrate together, others experience sporting events very differently. For women whose partners misuse alcohol or other substances, that message may have felt painfully familiar.

Recovery includes feeling safe

At Sycamore Hope, we know recovery isn’t just about stopping substance use.

It’s about:

• Rebuilding confidence.

• Healing from trauma.

• Learning what healthy relationships look like.

• Recognising that you deserve to feel safe in your own home.

If someone else’s drinking or drug use leaves you feeling frightened, controlled or constantly walking on eggshells, those feelings matter.

Support is available not only for people experiencing substance use but also for those affected by someone else’s.

No one should feel they have to manage these situations alone.

The conversation doesn’t end here

The World Cup is over.

The pubs will become quieter, and attention will shift to the next sporting event, but for many women, the challenges linked to alcohol, substance use and unsafe relationships don’t disappear when the tournament ends.

That’s why conversations like these matter all year round; they remind us that recovery deserves protecting and that asking for help is a strength.

We’re here when you need us

At Sycamore Hope, we provide compassionate, trauma-informed resources for women affected by substance use, helping them build confidence, connect with others and take positive steps towards recovery.

Whether you’re navigating your own recovery journey or you’re affected by someone else’s substance use, you don’t have to face it alone.

Because while the football season comes and goes, hope never goes out of play.