Before Kickoff: 5 Healthcare Preparedness Priorities for FIFA World Cup 2026
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Hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 will bring millions of visitors to North America and create one of the largest mass gathering events in modern history. While much of the public focus will be on the matches themselves, healthcare systems have been preparing for years to support the unique demands that accompany an event of this scale.
In a recent episode of Transmission Interrupted, NETEC’s Jill Morgan, RN, of Emory University Hospital spoke with Dr. Alex Isakov, Division Chief of Pre-Hospital and Disaster Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine and Executive Director for Health Security at Emory University, about the healthcare preparedness considerations associated with the tournament.
Their discussion highlighted an important reality: successful World Cup preparedness is not about preparing for a single threat. It is about strengthening awareness, coordination, and response capabilities across multiple domains. Here are five priorities healthcare organizations should consider before kickoff.
1. Know the Field: Prepare for a Global Patient Population
One of the defining characteristics of FIFA World Cup 2026™ is the unprecedented volume of international travel it will generate. Visitors from around the world will travel not only to host cities, but throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
For healthcare personnel, that means an increased likelihood of encountering diseases that may not routinely appear in daily clinical practice. While clinicians are trained to assess and manage a wide range of illnesses, conditions such as malaria, dengue, and chikungunya may require greater vigilance when evaluating patients with recent travel history.
The takeaway is simple but important: travel history matters. A patient’s recent travel may provide critical context that changes diagnostic considerations and helps clinicians recognize illnesses earlier.
2. Strengthen the Defense: Reinforce “Identify, Isolate, Inform”
Mass gathering events increase opportunities for disease transmission, particularly when large numbers of people are moving through airports, public transportation systems, hotels, restaurants, and stadiums.
Dr. Isakov emphasized the continued importance of the “Identify, Isolate, Inform” framework as a cornerstone of healthcare preparedness. The framework helps frontline healthcare personnel recognize potentially infectious patients, implement appropriate isolation measures, and engage infection prevention and public health partners when needed.
Measles serves as a particularly relevant example. Although healthcare preparedness discussions often focus on rare high-consequence infectious diseases, measles remains among the most contagious diseases clinicians are likely to encounter. Rapid identification and response can make a significant difference in limiting exposures and preventing additional transmission.
3. Prepare for Extra Time: Anticipate Health Impacts Beyond Infectious Diseases
While infectious disease awareness is important, it is only one piece of the preparedness picture.
Large international events create a variety of healthcare challenges, including heat-related illness, trauma, alcohol-related incidents, and increased demand for emergency medical services. Because FIFA World Cup 2026™ will take place during the summer months, heat illness may become one of the most predictable and preventable risks facing attendees and host communities.
Healthcare organizations should view preparedness broadly. Planning efforts should account for both routine healthcare demands and the operational pressures that can emerge when large crowds gather over an extended period of time.
4. Beyond the Stadium: Coordination Will Matter More Than Ever
One of the strongest themes from the discussion was that preparedness extends far beyond official host venues.
Visitors attending matches are likely to travel extensively throughout North America, meaning healthcare organizations far from stadiums may still experience increased patient encounters or unusual clinical presentations. At the same time, healthcare systems must be prepared to coordinate across jurisdictions and disciplines if incidents occur.
This is where healthcare coalitions comprised of EMS agencies, hospitals, emergency management partners, and public health agencies play a critical role. Effective communication and coordination help communities manage patient movement, balance resources, and maintain situational awareness during periods of increased demand.
Preparedness is rarely about a single organization acting alone. It is about ensuring the broader healthcare system can work together when needed.
5. Stay Match Ready: Prevention Still Matters
Perhaps the most important lesson from the conversation was also the most familiar.
Vaccination, hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, and staying home when ill remain some of the most effective tools available for preventing disease transmission. While major international events often draw attention to emerging threats, basic infection prevention practices continue to provide the strongest foundation for public health protection.
Preparedness does not always require new solutions. Often, it means consistently applying proven practices while maintaining awareness of changing risks.
As FIFA World Cup 2026™ approaches, healthcare organizations have an opportunity to revisit those fundamentals, strengthen partnerships, and reinforce preparedness capabilities. The work taking place now — before kickoff — will help ensure communities are ready to support one of the largest global events ever hosted in North America.
Listen to the full episode of Transmission Interrupted.
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