When a major sporting event comes to town, the excitement extends far beyond the stadium. While these events can be associated with behaviours that can negatively impact mental health, from binge drinking to sports gambling addiction, they also offer a powerful opportunity to connect with others and build community. As Toronto hosts multiple FIFA World Cup matches this year, locals and visitors have gathered in neighbourhoods across the city for watch parties, community events and celebrations – all united by a shared passion and a sense of belonging.
To better understand how international sporting events like the World Cup create connection and community, and the potential mental health benefits, we sat down with Dr. Katy Kamkar, a clinical psychologist at CAMH.
How do major international sporting events like the FIFA World Cup create a sense of belonging and connection among people who may not otherwise interact?
Major international sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup bring people together through a shared experience that transcends differences in age, culture, language, and background. Supporting a team creates a collective identity that fosters a sense of belonging and social connection, even among strangers. These events provide opportunities for people to gather, celebrate, and engage in meaningful interactions, reinforcing the feeling that they are part of something larger than themselves. This shared sense of purpose and community can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness while strengthening social bonds and collective resilience.
A large 2023 systematic review found that sport participation is consistently associated with better mental health, improved social outcomes, greater life satisfaction, and stronger social connectedness. Team sports often produce stronger benefits than individual activities because they foster belonging and interpersonal relationships.
Studies grounded in Social Identity Theory show that identifying with a team or fan community can strengthen self-esteem, social support, and feelings of connection. People often derive part of their identity from belonging to a larger group, which can enhance wellbeing and reduce feelings of isolation.
What does research tell us about the relationship between community connection and mental health?
Research consistently demonstrates that strong social connections are among the most important protective factors for mental health and wellbeing. Individuals who experience a sense of belonging and mattering within their communities report lower levels of loneliness, anxiety, depression, and psychological distress. Community connection can provide emotional support, foster trust, enhance self-esteem, and create opportunities for meaningful engagement with others. Feeling valued and connected to a larger social network also contributes to resilience, helping individuals cope more effectively with stress, adversity, and life challenges.
A 2024 review concluded that social connection is a critical determinant of both mental and physical health, while loneliness and social isolation are associated with poorer wellbeing and increased health risks. Feeling connected to others serves as a powerful protective factor
Can the excitement and shared emotions surrounding events like the World Cup have lasting mental health benefits, or are the effects mostly temporary?
While the excitement associated with major sporting events is often temporary, the social connections and positive experiences they create can have longer lasting benefits. Shared celebrations, collective pride, and meaningful interactions can strengthen relationships, increase feelings of belonging, and foster a greater sense of community. These experiences may enhance resilience and psychological wellbeing by creating positive memories, reinforcing social support networks, and reminding people that they are connected to others. The most enduring benefits tend to occur when the event serves as a catalyst for ongoing community engagement and social connection beyond the final match.
A 2024 study on the World Cup examined the relationship between sport participation, social connectedness, and mental wellbeing. The authors found that sport provides benefits beyond physical activity by creating opportunities for social interaction, belonging, and meaningful relationships. Individuals who participated in sport reported greater social connectedness, which was associated with better mental health, higher wellbeing, and lower levels of loneliness and psychological distress. The findings suggest that the social aspects of sport, including feeling connected, valued, and part of a community, may be key mechanisms through which sport contributes to resilience and mental wellbeing.
