Motivation to Volunteer at the 2026 FIFA World Cup among Nursing Students in Toronto: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Mega sporting events rely heavily on volunteers, yet limited evidence exists on nursing students’ motivations, a group central to health and public safety at mass gatherings such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Purpose: To examine nursing students’ motivations to volunteer at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and identify implications for health-focused volunteer programs. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with nursing students at a large urban Canadian university in Toronto (n = 241). A validated motivation scale assessed career orientation, expression of values, interpersonal contact, extrinsic rewards, patriotism, and love of sport, alongside demographics and prior volunteer experience. Results: Career orientation, expression of values, and extrinsic rewards were the most strongly endorsed motivations, while patriotism and love of sport were least endorsed. Prior volunteer experience was not significantly associated with overall motivation. Students identifying as Middle Eastern/North African reported higher patriotic motivation than White students; other demographic differences were minimal. Conclusions: Nursing students’ motivation to volunteer at a mega sporting event is driven primarily by professional development and prosocial values rather than event fandom or national sentiment. Health-focused volunteer programs should emphasize career-relevant benefits, define clear supervised clinical roles, and provide targeted training, including simulation. Addressing structural barriers such as scheduling may further enhance participation. Findings inform nursing education and public health preparedness for FIFA 2026 and future mass-gathering events.