World Cup 2026

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FEMA
Help Your Communities Stay Safe During FIFA World Cup 2026™ Activities

Release Date May 20, 2026

WASHINGTON -- FEMA recently published two new toolkits to help spread public safety messaging for FIFA World Cup 2026™, which is expected to attract more than five million international visitors and generate tens of billions of dollars in economic activity over 38 days.

“From fans to first responders, everyone can help make the FIFA World Cup 2026™ safe and memorable. With millions of visitors expected, it is vital that we all know how to prepare and respond,” said FEMA Associate Administrator of the Office of External Affairs, Victoria L. Barton. “Whether you are a state government, a local leader or even a business owner, these toolkits have resources you need to help your community stay safe and prepared. Please use and share them to help keep everyone informed and ready.”

For more than a year, FEMA has been working closely with its partners across the country to keep players, fans and host city residents safe during the events. The toolkits are key resources that anyone can use to share specific, actionable public safety tips. They include key preparedness messaging and sample text for use in social media posts, as well as graphics to increase engagement.

1. The FIFA World Cup 2026™ Stakeholder Toolkit is intended for local emergency managers, fire or police departments, city officials and faith leaders. Community leaders of all types can use this toolkit to encourage people to stay safe by following these simple steps.
2. The FIFA World Cup 2026™ Safety Messaging Toolkit for Businesses is intended for private-sector companies across industries. This toolkit includes an overview on business continuity, crisis communications, emergency response and information technology resources.

Both toolkits emphasize five key steps that can help keep you safe during a large event:

• Have an emergency plan.
• Follow local guidance during an emergency.
• Know how to get emergency notifications.
• Stay hydrated and prepare for weather.
• Be aware of your surroundings.

To learn more ways to stay safe during matches and events, and to download the toolkits, visit Ready.gov/fifa-world-cup-2026.

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https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20260520/help-your-communities-stay-safe-during-fifa-world-cup-2026-activities

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FIFA World Cup 2026™ Health Guidance for St. Louis Visitors

Watch events will take place from June 16 to July 11 and an influx of visitors is expected that may seek medical care for a variety of reasons.

May 29, 2026

St. Louis will serve as a major hub during the 2026 World Cup, June 16 to July 11, despite not hosting any official matches. The city will experience high-density crowds, prolonged outdoor exposure, heavy alcohol consumption, international visitors, and events spread across multiple locations.

This combination increases risk for heat-related illness, injuries, communicable disease spread, and strain on emergency systems.

Health Tips and Guidance:

Continued: https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/governmen...h-guidance.cfm

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Texas Department of State Health Services
About the World Cup in Texas

Hundreds of thousands of domestic and international visitors will be visiting Texas for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Center for Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (CHEPR) is preparing to support one of the largest international events ever hosted in our state.

Dallas and Houston are hosting multiple World Cup matches in June and July. There will also be large-scale FIFA Fan Festival events in both cities.

Team Basecamp Locations

These cities will serve as basecamp for national teams:

• Austin – Saudi Arabia
• Frisco - Sweden
• Fort Worth – Czechia
• Houston – Democratic Republic of the Congo

DSHS is Ready for the World Cup

The Center for Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (CHEPR) is working alongside local, state, and federal partners to get ready. Preparation efforts ahead of game days ensure a consistent, statewide approach to any response.

During Texas match days, the State Medical Operations Center (SMOC) will operate under a limited activation status, ready for a full activation if needed.

CHEPR and other DSHS programs are also working with local health departments to help strengthen and support epidemiologic surveillance and investigations. They are monitoring hospital and emergency services trends as well.

These public health preparedness efforts will help make sure that Texas is ready to safely welcome visitors from around the world.

Related Resources:

Continued: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/center-he...world-cup-2026

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Ready.gov
FIFA World Cup 2026™: Be Prepared and Stay Safe

This summer, the United States is hosting the largest and most complex sporting event in U.S. history which will attract millions of fans from across the country and world.

FEMA and its federal interagency partners have worked to ensure state and local partners have the resources they need to protect visitors, communities and event spaces.

If you are attending matches or any other large event or live in a host city, you can take simple steps to stay safe:

• Be prepared before you go. Monitor news sources from the event city, check local weather conditions, and stay alert for suspicious activity.
• Check the event venue safety information and rules for bag restrictions or prohibited items, and review guidance on getting to and from the venue safely.
• Traveling to a new location? Follow local emergency management and other officials, sign up for emergency alerts, or download the FEMA App to get alerts in areas you are visiting if something happens.
• Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Note the location of security staff, medical tents, and exits. Have an exit plan and identify where you would go in an emergency.
• “See something, say something!” If you see something that doesn’t seem right, say something to local authorities or event staff including threatening or suspicious people, activities or messages or packages or items left unattended.

Quick Links:

Continued: https://www.ready.gov/fifa-world-cup-2026

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Massachusetts Department of Public Health
How DPH is preparing for the World Cup

• How does DPH provide public health support during large-scale events?
• Who is DPH working with?
• What is DPH preparing for?
• Contact

Continued: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/ho...-the-world-cup

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Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
Released May 27, 2026

An enormous amount of behind-the-scenes coordination is underway to ensure fans, families, and athletes have a safe, seamless, and unforgettable experience. In fact, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has designated all 78 matches with Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) Level 1 and 2, underscoring the significance of the event. This is a 240% increase of similarly rated events compared to an average year.

As part of the coordinated DHS-wide preparations, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has been working with partners in the government at all levels and private sector, as well as with states and host cities to strengthen preparedness, sharpen communication, and make sure communities are ready.

A Host City Getting Ready for the Global Stage
CISA’s collaboration with the city of Seattle is just one standout example of how CISA is working with host cities to help ensure all participants can celebrate safely. Through immersive, scenario driven exercises at Lumen Field, and in coordination with the region’s transit system, CISA helped local partners stress test plans, strengthen coordination and operational readiness, and build confidence that fans can enjoy a secure experience while they focus on the game. These collaborative efforts also provided valuable feedback and lessons learned for the stakeholders involved, enabling ongoing improvements to security strategies for future events.

Inside the Lumen Field Full Scale Exercise
A full-scale exercise is a major production, designed to provide a simulated crisis response experience. More than 460 participants from more than 25 organizations navigated a stadium packed with energy, noise, and fast-moving challenges. Participants confronted scenarios that felt straight out of game day — unruly fan behavior, potential pyrotechnic issues, and sudden crowd surges. These situations required split-second decision making and seamless collaboration among public safety officials, stadium operators, transit teams, and first responders. The exercise offered a safe learning environment where participants could refine communication, validate emergency plans, and practice unified decision making under pressure.

Strengthening Seattle’s Transit Lifeline

Continued: https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/new...ng-world-stage

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Washington Military Department

EMD involved in World Cup planning efforts

Washington state is about to become the epicenter of the sport of soccer, as the city of Seattle and surrounding communities prepare to host and support two of the biggest events in the sport – the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and the groundbreaking 2026 FIFA World Cup(Opens an external site in a new window).

Behind the scenes, the Washington Emergency Management Division (EMD) is already gearing up for the logistical and security challenges of these two large-scale events.

“The coordination for something of this scale starts years in advance,” said Robert Ezelle, director of EMD. “You have to prepare for every scenario, so it’s a heavy lift for emergency managers and first responders. It’s already all hands on deck.”

continued: https://mil.wa.gov/news/emd-involved...anning-efforts

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Christopher Raia

@FBIDDRaia
Planning to fly your drone at a World Cup match? Think again! Temporary Flight Restrictions will be in place around
@FIFAWorldCup stadiums and fan festivals. Flying a drone in these areas is prohibited and a federal crime. Check airspace restrictions using FAA-approved B4UFLY Apps or visit http://TFR.FAA.gov. Stay informed and report unsafe drone activity immediately at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

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US Department of State
Joint Statement on Public Health Travel Measures Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026

MAY 28, 2026

The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, Canada and Mexico.

Begin text:

The United States, Mexico, and Canada have announced aligned public health travel measures for individuals coming from African regions at greatest risk from the Ebola virus. This coordinated approach aims to protect our citizens and the millions of visitors, fans, athletes, and tourists expected during the FIFA World Cup 2026™, while maintaining travel and commerce across our borders. The health and safety of every person in the region remains our highest priority as we welcome the world to North America.

End text.

https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2026/05/joint-statement-on-public-health-travel-measures-ahead-of-fifa-world-cup-2026/

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Trump’s World Cup chief tells Congo team to isolate amid Ebola outbreak
05/22/26

Excerpt:
The head of the White House task force for the upcoming World Cup said Friday that Congo’s national soccer team must remain in isolation for 21 days if it plans to enter the U.S. amid an ongoing Ebola outbreak, according to ESPN.
-snip-
“We’ve made it very clear to the Congo government as well that they need to maintain that bubble or they risk not being able to travel to the United States,” the younger Giuliani said. “We cannot be any clearer.”

https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5891677-andrew-giuliani-world-cup-white-house-task-force-ebola-outbreak/

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Seattle hospitals on high alert for infectious diseases ahead of World Cup crowds
Tue, May 26, 2026 at 6:31 PM
Updated Wed, May 27, 2026 at 11:23 AM

SEATTLE — With less than 20 days until the FIFA World Cup comes to Seattle, public health and hospital leaders say they are on high alert for infectious disease threats as the region prepares for an influx of visitors from around the world.
-snip-
Lynch said reports projecting nearly 1 million visitors to the region would represent an unprecedented challenge for local health systems.
-snip-
"We are looking at the countries of the teams that will be participating in FIFA at that time, and we’ll be keeping a close eye on the epidemiology and infectious disease activity in those places because those are the fans who are going to be coming here,” Lynch said.
-snip-
According to the CDC, the agency’s response includes health screenings for travelers arriving from affected areas; coordination with airlines, international partners, and port-of-entry officials; enhanced port health protection measures; contact tracing; laboratory testing capacity; hospital readiness nationwide; and deployed CDC personnel in affected regions.

continued: https://komonews.com/news/local/seat...hcare-response

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Government of Canada
Risk assessment: Importation of infectious disease pathogens related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Assessment completed: May 1, 2026

Excerpt:

Reason for assessment


Local and provincial public health agencies in Ontario and British Columbia have completed risk assessments to identify priority hazards for planning and surveillance related to FIFA World Cup 2026 (FWC 2026). Their focus ranged from all-hazard risk assessments at the local level (e.g., including environmental hazards, substance use, and injuries), to more specific risk assessments at the provincial level (e.g., focusing on infectious diseases such as foodborne, waterborne, and vaccine-preventable diseases).

In response to interest from partners at the local and provincial levels, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) initiated an assessment of infectious disease importation risks associated with FWC 2026 over and above those already planned for by local and provincial jurisdictions, in order to complement their work.

The purpose of this assessment is to estimate the risk of importation of selected pathogens related to the FWC 2026 matches and associated fan festivals in Toronto and Vancouver. The findings are intended to enhance situational awareness and support public health agencies in the host provinces and regions as they prepare for this major mass gathering event. Broader health security considerations related to FWC 2026 are being examined through security and intelligence partners.

... https://www.canada.ca/en/public-heal...world-cup.html

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FAA's Safety Plan for FIFA World Cup 2026
Last updated: Thursday, May 28, 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026™ is a No Drone Zone

As fans from around the globe gather to celebrate the beautiful game, safety and security remain our top priorities. To ensure a safe environment for all players, attendees, and staff, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and law enforcement have officially designated all FIFA World Cup 2026™ stadiums and surrounding event spaces as strict "No Drone Zones." If you are traveling to the matches, please be aware:
Do not bring a drone to the stadium or any official World Cup events.

What is a "No Drone Zone"?

A "No Drone Zone" means that unauthorized drone flights are strictly prohibited in the designated airspace and surrounding grounds. During major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup™, the FAA implements Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) to limit air travel and secure the airspace. Taking off, landing, or flying a drone within these restricted areas is a serious violation of federal and local regulations


Strict Penalties for Violators

The FAA, in close coordination with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and local law enforcement, will be actively monitoring the airspace. They will utilize federally authorized capabilities to detect, track, and assess any unauthorized drone activity.

Operating a drone inside a restricted World Cup No Drone Zone carries severe consequences. If you fly a drone without authorization, you may face:

• Fines: Civil penalties up to $75,000 per violation, criminal fines up to $100,000.
• Confiscation: The FBI is authorized to use specialized mitigation tools to intercept and seize your drone.
• Criminal Prosecution: Violators may face federal criminal charges and immediate arrest.

The FAA recently launched the Drone Expedited and Targeted Enforcement Response (DETER) initiative to accelerate the identification and enforcement of drone violations. DETER will be used at the World Cup to support enhanced enforcement efforts.

Federal law enforcement is legally authorized to use specialized mitigation tools to address unauthorized drone flights and can take action to move aircraft out of restricted airspace while preserving evidence for potential enforcement action.

World Cup match-venue restrictions will apply at the following locations:

continued: https://www.faa.gov/fifaworldcup2026

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[emphasis is mine]

PAHO supports regional coordination for health security ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026
29 May 2026

Washington, DC, 29 May 2026 (PAHO). The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) continues to support Canada, Mexico, and the United States through the Health Security Working Group, established in 2023 to strengthen preparedness for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The working group includes delegates from the health sector and other national authorities from the three countries, as well as FIFA representatives.

The main objective of the Health Security Working Group is to share information for health planning of high-visibility events and exchange lessons learned. As a large-scale, cross-border event, the FIFA World Cup will test national capacities under the International Health Regulations (2005), requiring close collaboration to detect, assess, and respond to potential public health risks.

The Working Group has held eight meetings between July 2023 and May 2026, alongside a series of technical webinars covering key topics such as lessons learned from previous mega-events, security coordination, event-based surveillance, and mass gatherings preparedness.

In coordination with the 3 host countries, PAHO enhanced surveillance strategy includes a PAHO FIFA World Cup 26™ Daily Report, before, during, and after the tournament. With millions of people expected to travel across borders to attend matches and other public events, strengthened coordination among host countries is essential to help prevent and manage high-impact health events, safeguard the well-being of both visitors and residents, and ensure that host cities are better prepared to respond to any public health emergencies.

On 28 May 2026, PAHO convened an extraordinary meeting of the working group in the context of the World Health Organization’s declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) related to the Ebola disease epidemic caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. This most recent meeting underscored the importance of sustained vigilance, preparedness, and cross-border coordination ahead of the tournament.

A ninth meeting of the Health Security Working Group is planned for September 2026 as a legacy session, where partners will review lessons learned and identify opportunities to further strengthen preparedness and cooperation for future mass gatherings in the Americas.

https://www.paho.org/en/news/29-5-2026-paho-supports-regional-coordination-health-security-ahead-fifa-world-cup-2026

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Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
The Terrorist Threat to the 2026 World Cup
Published May 27, 2026

The Issue

The 2026 World Cup will be the largest sporting event ever held—and a magnet for terrorists of all stripes. Major sporting events have long attracted a range of foreign terrorist groups and domestic extremists looking to bring their grievances to the fore or simply sow death and destruction. The most likely danger to the 2026 World Cup comes from a domestic lone actor or small group striking soft targets around the matches: fan zones, transit corridors, hotel and restaurant districts, and the queues outside stadium gates. The threats facing the tournament are real and diffuse, but so are the countermeasures arrayed against them.

Continued: https://www.csis.org/analysis/terror...2026-world-cup