How to stay safe at the 2026 World Cup

Beware of heat illnesses, what compounds for those who drink alcohol

June and July in Houston, Miami, Mexico City and Los Angeles can be hot. These are dangerous conditions for people standing outside in crowds for hours.

Heat exhaustion occurs when the body overheats and loses vital fluids and salt through sweating. Warning signs include dizziness, a fast but weak pulse, and cool, clammy skin. If left untreated, it can quickly escalate into heatstroke—a life-threatening emergency that can kill or cause permanent brain damage. Body temperature above 104°F, confusion, and cessation of sweating are the hallmarks.

The risk is compounded dramatically with alcohol. Alcohol is a vasodilator and diuretic that opens blood vessels near the skin and leads to fluid loss through urine, accelerating dehydration and reducing the body’s ability to regulate temperature. To reduce your risk, eat a full meal before drinking, alternate alcoholic beverages with water, choose lower-alcohol options, and keep electrolyte drinks handy. They are more important than plain water for extended outdoor exposure. Shadow can restrict heat stress by 25 to 35%.

FIFA has initially criticized ban outdoor water bottles in many areas. Check the policy for your specific pitch before you arrive.

Reduce the risk of infectious disease transmission

The US is experiencing its largest measles outbreak in decades. Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in medicine. An unvaccinated person who spends an hour on a plane with someone who is infected has about a 90% chance of becoming infected.

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health has named measles its leading infectious disease worry for the tournament.

Here’s the good news: Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide very strong protection. Adults born before 1957 are generally considered immune from physical exposure. Anyone who was born after and has not received two doses of MMR should speak to their doctor before attending.

Measles aside, the Pan American Health Organization recommends fans make sure they’re up to date on their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, especially those traveling internationally. The 2025–2026 flu season reached a 30-year high in the US, and COVID-19 continues to cause hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations annually.

There is also an active Ebola outbreak in Central Africa. Although the risk to World Cup spectators remains low, all three host countries have implemented enhanced screening at ports of entry.

Know your personal risks when attending the event

Some groups face significantly higher risk in a mass gathering in the summer heat, including people 65 and older. people with chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, COPD or kidney disease. those who are immunocompromised; and pregnant fans.

For these groups, infectious disease experts recommend wearing a well-fitting mask in crowded indoor or covered areas. Outdoor seats in outdoor stadiums pose a lower respiratory risk than closed fan zones, bars and public transport.

Cardiac risk deserves special mention. Research has documented increases in heart attacks during high-stakes matches in countries such as Germany and England during major tournaments; The emotional intensity of sporting events is real and naturally significant.

For those with known heart conditions or risk factors, talk to your cardiologist before attending. And when you get to your field, locate the AED stations. Most large venues have them.

Be aware of physical hazards from crowded stages

Sprains, bruises, fractures and head injuries are a constant feature of major stadium events. Crowd dynamics during goal celebrations, high-energy outings and packed concerts create a real risk of injury. Wear supportive footwear — not flip-flops — and use handrails. When the final whistle blows and 70,000 people try to move at once, be patient.

For international fans unfamiliar with the US healthcare system, call 911 in an emergency. Emergency departments in all host cities are accessible regardless of insurance status. If you are traveling outside the United States, have travel insurance with medical coverage.

Ultimately, the World Cup is a truly extraordinary event. Emergency physicians celebrate it, too — we just spend our careers treating things people didn’t see coming.

Something else to note: The public health system supporting this year’s event is thinner relative to previous mass gatherings, with significant federal workforce reductions at CDC and strained coordination capacity. This makes individual preparation more important, not less.

Remember these World Cup health tips and enjoy the tournament. And if you see someone in distress, be the person to call for help.