Former U.S. men’s national team striker Jozy Altidore celebrates with current USMNT player Tim Ream #13 after the United States defeated Paraguay 4-1 win to open their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D play in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alex Livesey – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
FIFA via Getty Images
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has kicked off in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, marking the beginning of an exciting tournament. However, the demands of soccer, known as football elsewhere, can pose risks to various parts of a player’s body, influencing a team’s performance on such a prominent stage. Here are seven essential measures for players to safeguard themselves.
1. Listen To Pain
Pain often acts as a deterrent, preventing players from achieving their goals, such as scoring. Jozy Altidore, a seasoned U.S. men’s national team striker, cautions against the common “fight through pain” mentality. According to him, pain signals that something is amiss.
Altidore shared his experience from the USMNT’s opening match against Ghana in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. “Looking back at it now, I didn’t feel great before the game,” he reflected. During that match, Altidore suffered a Grade 2 left hamstring tear in the 21st minute, leading to his absence from the remaining group stage games.
“Using myself as a test case, I would have spoken up in that moment,” Altidore mentioned. He hopes other players will recognize when they aren’t feeling right and speak up. Altidore has partnered with Advil to challenge the misleading “no pain, no gain” mindset and the dangers of ignoring pain.
2. Screen Regularly For Concussions And Other Head Injuries
Heading the ball is a common soccer technique, but players must be cautious as the head houses the brain. Excessive force can result in injuries like concussions, characterized by temporary loss of function. Shae Datta, MD, a clinical assistant professor of neurology at NYU, emphasizes the importance of regular concussion screenings during and between matches. She refers to the recommendations from the Consensus statement on concussion in sport from the October 2022 Sixth International Conference on Concussion in Sport. Datta suggests that each World Cup team should have a doctor present to monitor players for any injury signs, though doctors’ qualifications and experience might vary.
3. Stay Well Hydrated
Altidore predicts high temperatures during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, posing risks of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. He warns that the heat could disrupt players’ mechanics, potentially leading to non-contact injuries. Altidore stresses the importance of staying hydrated, “A key is being really hydrated. You can never be hydrated enough,” he asserts.
4. Strengthen And Stretch Your Muscles
Muscle strength and flexibility are vital for preventing injuries. Altidore’s past hamstring tear highlights the need for strong and flexible muscles, including quadriceps and calf muscles. These muscles protect the joints, ligaments, and bones they support. Strong quadriceps and hamstrings can reduce knee injury risks, common in sports involving quick movements.
Injuries to the Achilles tendon and ankles are also prevalent. Keeping calf muscles strong and properly stretched helps protect the ankles. Additionally, strengthening core muscles is crucial to protect the lumbar spine from the forces of jumping and twisting. It’s essential not to neglect abdominal and glute muscles.
5. Maintain A Proper Playing Surface
While players can’t control the playing surface, uneven or poorly maintained fields can lead to injuries, especially in the knees and ankles. Players can advocate for maintaining the pitch in good condition.
6. Use Proper Equipment
National teams generally have contracts with reputable equipment providers. Proper soccer gear includes shin guards and well-fitting shoes with molded cleats or ribbed soles. While screw-in cleats offer more traction, they can increase injury risk.
7. Get Proper Rest
US forward Jozy Altidore controls the ball during a Group G football match between Ghana and US at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. (Photo by CARL DE SOUZA / AFP via Getty Images)
AFP via Getty Images
Rest is crucial for recovery and healing. Altidore notes the packed World Cup schedule, with matches across three large countries, presents challenges. Unlike past World Cups held in smaller nations, this setup requires a different approach. “You have to think a little bit differently in your training and mindset because it’s not a season where you have time to build up. You’ve got seven games to get it right so you have to be a bit quicker out of the gates in terms of making sure that everybody’s on the same page,” Altidore explains.
Ultimately, luck plays a role. Altidore underscores this by knocking on a wooden bench, emphasizing the need for fortunate outcomes and injury-free key players to secure a World Cup victory.
