Vanessa Huppenkothen hospitalized with kidney infection, misses World Cup final

Mexican sports journalist Vanessa Huppenkothen was hospitalized with a bacterial kidney infection that doctors said nearly developed into sepsis, forcing her to miss the 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain. She shared the news on social media, explaining that she had been working through severe pain and fever.

What happened

Huppenkothen, a presenter for TUDN, began feeling lower back pain and chills days before the semifinals. Believing it was muscular, she took over-the-counter medication and continued traveling to Dallas and covering matches. "No sé ni cómo trabajé en el Francia vs España ni mucho menos en el Argentina vs Inglaterra," she wrote Source: Infobae. She later went to the emergency room, where doctors found a bacterial infection in her kidneys.

Her condition

Doctors told Huppenkothen she "salvé de una sepsis" (saved from sepsis) Source: Excelsiormx. She remains hospitalized under antibiotic treatment and strict observation. "Terminé en urgencias y del hospital no he salido por una bacteria que llegó a mis riñones," she said Source: Mileniomx.

What is sepsis?

Sepsis is a life-threatening immune response to an infection that can cause organ failure. It requires immediate medical attention. Huppenkothen emphasized not ignoring symptoms like intense pain, fever, or chills Source: Heraldodemexico.

Despite missing the final, she expressed gratitude: "Seré paciente y que Dios maneje" Source: Excelsiormx.