World Cup 2026: The healthy heart of football

As the excitement from the 2026 FIFA World Cup is at the forefront of everyone’s minds, a recent incident involving Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen serves as a timely reminder of the importance of being prepared for a cardiac emergency.

Eriksen’s collapse during Denmark’s recent international friendly attracted headlines around the world and reignited discussion about sudden cardiac arrest and the vital role that defibrillators can play in saving lives.

The former Manchester United and Tottenham midfielder was able to leave the pitch, conscious and in a stable condition. Reports indicate that the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) fitted following his 2021 cardiac arrest functioned as intended.

While such incidents involving elite athletes are rare, the reality is that most cardiac arrests occur away from professional sport. They happen in homes, workplaces, public spaces, on holiday and during everyday activities with family and friends.

A summer of football

This summer, millions of people will gather to watch the World Cup.

Families will host barbeques; friends will meet in pubs and fan zones; and many supporters will travel abroad and enjoy holidays while following the tournament.

For most people, football is about enjoyment, community and creating memories. However, for those living with heart conditions, a family history of cardiac issues or concerns about access to emergency medical support while travelling, major events can also bring a degree of anxiety.

Professional footballers have immediate access to medical teams and equipment. Most of us do not.

Knowing where help is

Public access defibrillators continue to play a hugely important role across the UK, but they are not always immediately accessible when people are travelling, staying in temporary accommodation, visiting friends and family or spending time away from their usual surroundings.

Having a plan in place and understanding what to do in an emergency can make a significant difference.

Portable AEDs for peace of mind

HeartHero has been designed to make defibrillator ownership more practical and accessible.

Compact, lightweight and easy to carry, it can travel with you whether you’re heading away for a weekend, taking a family holiday, staying in a caravan or motorhome or simply looking for additional reassurance at home.

The device is supported by an intuitive app and clear voice prompts, helping to guide users through the process should the unthinkable ever happen.

Importantly, HeartHero is not about replacing public access defibrillators. It’s about providing an additional option for people who want the reassurance of having a defibrillator close at hand wherever life takes them.