Summary:
- Large social gatherings can make the spread of STDs more likely.
- Practicing safe sex can reduce the risk of infection.
- Alcohol, expanding social circles, and new environments can lower inhibitions.
Major sporting and cultural events can bring people together in exciting ways. They can also temporarily change the way people socialize, travel, drink, date and make decisions about sex.
This does not mean that events such as the World Cup directly cause cases sexually transmitted infections (STDs) increase, but they can create conditions where people may be more likely to have new sexual partners, have sex without a condom, or delay screening and treatment.
Safe sex can help prevent STDs, but it doesn’t work every time.
Almost every year, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control consulting services practice safe sex during the summer months. In 2026, these warnings become more relevant to recent increase in some STDs like Gonorrhea and Syphilis across the continent.
The World Cup has already been marked as a possible manifestation of over-diffusionraising concerns about whether the World Cup events could lead to the spread of all kinds of infections, including STDs.
Why might the incidence of STDs increase during events such as the World Cup?
There are a few reasons why public health experts often pay close attention to sexual health at major events.
More social interactions = more opportunities to connect
Large events often create a more social atmosphere. Fans congregate 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 does not automatically mean more STD transmission, but it can increase the likelihood of new or casual sexual encounters.
New contexts, new behaviors
When people are away from home or caught up in the atmosphere of an event, they may behave differently than they normally would. Travel, hotel stays, vacations, and overnight stays can all make planning ahead less likely. Someone who would normally carry condoms, take PrEP consistently, or have regular sexual health check-ups may find that their usual habits are disrupted. For One in five international travelers have casual sexalmost half of which are unprotected.
Alcohol and other substances change behavior
Alcohol and other substances can affect decision-making, trust and communication. They may find it difficult to discuss boundaries, agree on condom use, remember contraception, or recognize when a situation is becoming unsafe. This is one reason why harm reduction messages around major events often focus on future planning rather than on decisions made in the moment.
What can I do to stay safe?
A few simple steps can reduce risk and help you feel more confident and secure during any big event.
Carry condoms with you if you are likely to have sex, and use them for vaginal, anal, and oral sex to reduce the risk of many STDs. You should also keep in mind that while condoms greatly reduce the risk of STDs, a condom does not cover all parts of the genitals. Some STDs can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. Condoms can also fail in some cases.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get an STD without noticing symptoms?
Yes. Many STDs can have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all, meaning someone may not realize they have an infection. The test 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 big event or trip?
It depends on the infections being tested for, as different STDs may take different time to show up in a test.
Should I take a test before going to an important event?
If you think you might have sex with a new partner, getting tested before you go can help you make informed decisions and avoid unknowingly passing on an infection. 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 have access to condoms or other protection. If sex happens without a condom, try to stick to lower-risk activities like oral sex or external course.
Final thoughts
Big 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 taking care of your health should go hand in hand.
If you think you may have been exposed to an STD, contact Better2Know to schedule an STD test near you.
Don’t leave your sexual health to chance.
