- Executive Office of Public Safety and Security
Media Contact
Brenna Galvin, Deputy Director of Communications
FOXBOROUGH — As Massachusetts prepares to welcome the world for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, local, state, federal, regional, public safety, public health, emergency management, venue, event and private-sector partners today shared an update on coordinated preparedness efforts and issued practical public safety and public health guidance to help fans, visitors, residents, workers and businesses plan ahead.
The briefing highlighted extensive multi-agency planning across the World Cup footprint, including seven matches scheduled at Boston (Gillette) Stadium in Foxborough, the FIFA Fan Festival in Boston, team-related activities, regional impacts and other World Cup-related events. Partners emphasized that the public also has an important role to play in helping support a safe, healthy, welcoming and enjoyable tournament.
“Preparing for an event of this scale takes sustained coordination, disciplined planning and strong partnership,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon. “For nearly two years, partners across public safety, public health, emergency management, transportation, local and federal government, venue operations and the private sector have worked together to prepare for a safe, healthy and well-coordinated World Cup. I am deeply grateful to every partner whose work has brought us to this moment. That spirit of collaboration across agencies, disciplines and communities is a defining strength of public safety in Massachusetts.”
Today’s briefing builds on the March public safety and public health preparedness announcement held ahead of the international friendly match, where partners outlined the scale of planning underway for the World Cup. Since then, local, state, federal, regional, venue, event, public safety and public health partners have continued advancing readiness through training and exercises, emergency management coordination, public information planning, health and medical preparedness, intelligence-sharing, venue-area planning, Fan Festival planning and regional coordination.
Boston is one of 16 host cities selected for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Boston region will host seven matches at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, referred to during the tournament as “Boston Stadium” under FIFA naming rules, including five group-stage matches, one Round of 32 match and a quarterfinal. The FIFA Fan Festival will take place in Boston.
A central part of the planning structure includes 14 public safety and security planning groups composed of local, state, federal, public and private partners. These groups are focused on mission areas including communications and interoperability, tactical operations, intelligence and investigations, public information, capability development and readiness, Fan Festival planning, health and medical services, command and coordination, emergency management, non-competition venues, team movements, Boston Stadium operations, last-mile integration and other preparedness functions.
As part of the Commonwealth’s operational readiness planning and at the request of the Foxborough Police Department, Massachusetts is preparing to activate up to 85 members of the Massachusetts National Guard on State Active Duty from June 6 through July 11 to provide additional support for local law enforcement during the World Cup operational period. Following appropriate training and coordination with public safety partners, Guard personnel will support fixed security posts at Boston Stadium, including perimeter, entrance gate and other access-control locations identified through the security planning process. The limited activation is intended to augment the overall security posture, support the extended operational demands of a major international event and allow Foxborough Police and mutual aid officers to focus on traditional law enforcement responsibilities. The Massachusetts National Guard routinely supports major public events in similar ways, including the Boston Marathon and July Fourth festivities.
The public guidance issued today was developed through the Public Information and Public Affairs Planning Group, a coalition of public information professionals representing local, state, federal, regional, venue, event, public safety, public health, emergency management, transportation and community partners. The group includes representatives from Boston and Foxborough agencies, state public safety and public health agencies, Rhode Island Emergency Management, Boston 26, Boston Stadium / Kraft Sports & Entertainment, federal public safety and emergency management partners, and community partners including Mass 2-1-1, the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army.
The guidance is organized under the Match Ready Massachusetts framework and is designed to provide clear, consistent and accessible safety and health information before and during the tournament.
“Foxborough is proud to serve as the host community for Boston Stadium, and our focus is on making sure match days are safe, coordinated and well-managed for residents, visitors, businesses and fans,” said Foxborough Police Chief Michael Grace. “Our department has been planning closely with local, state, federal, venue and event partners for many months. We are asking everyone traveling to Foxborough to plan ahead, use official sources, follow stadium and traffic guidance, and listen to directions from public safety and event personnel. With strong partnerships and public cooperation, we can help make this a safe and memorable World Cup experience.”
“Boston is a world-class City, and we are accustomed to working closely with our City, State and federal partners in planning safe world-class events. FIFA and the associated events bring great opportunities to Boston - but like any other major events, they will bring some parking restrictions and road closures. Public transportation is encouraged, and please plan ahead,” said Commissioner Michael Cox, Boston Police Department. “Boston Police officers both in plain clothes and in uniform, on foot, bicycles and in various vehicle types at all FIFA related events. To all of those visiting our City, whether from another country, state or just visiting from a nearby town, we welcome you, and ask that you be respectful while at venues and locations. Remember all laws apply - public drinking, providing alcohol to minors, and open containers of alcohol or consumption of marijuana in public and use of fireworks are illegal and will be enforced. Leave large bags, backpacks, and drones at home. It goes without saying there are no firearms or weapons of any kind allowed at or near events. Please ask an officer for help or dial 9-1-1 if you need emergency assistance.”
“For the past two years, the men and women of the Massachusetts State Police have worked closely with our local, state, and federal partners to prepare for a safe and successful FIFA World Cup experience for residents and visitors alike,” said Colonel Geoffrey Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police. “As fans gather to celebrate this historic event, we ask everyone to familiarize themselves with venue guidelines, celebrate responsibly, and report any suspicious or unsafe activity to 9-1-1. Through preparation, partnership, and shared responsibility, we can ensure this is a memorable and safe event for all.”
“The FBI is leading Operation Goal Kick – a coordinated security effort across all 11 host cities – bringing together local, state, federal, and international law enforcement partners to protect every fan, player, and community. Right now, the FBI is not tracking any specific or credible threats to our region, or the homeland, directed at the World Cup matches, but the need for our collective and continued vigilance cannot be overstated,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “We are laser focused on public safety, and we’re asking all of you to be too. Please leave your drones at home, beware of frauds and scams, remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to law enforcement.”
The shared guidance encourages fans, visitors and residents to:
- Use Mass.gov/WorldCup for safety, health and preparedness guidance from Massachusetts partners.
- Use bostonfwc26.com for official event, venue, match, Fan Festival, ticketing, registration and stadium information.
- Call 9-1-1 only for emergencies, including medical emergencies, fires, crimes in progress or immediate threats to safety.
- Make sure emergency alerts are enabled, keep phones charged and follow official instructions.
- Report suspicious activity to law enforcement, venue security, event staff or public safety personnel.
- Check venue, bag and prohibited item guidance before traveling.
- Respect others, celebrate responsibly and follow directions from public safety, event and venue personnel.
- Leave drones, fireworks, flares, smoke devices, pyrotechnics and similar items at home.
- Stay healthy by drinking water, taking breaks, wearing sunscreen, washing hands, keeping food safe and getting help if sick.
- Avoid scams by using official sources and avoiding suspicious links, unofficial sellers and unusual payment requests.
- Know that support is available, including by calling 9-1-1 in an immediate emergency or contacting the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 for support or to report concerns.
Public health partners are preparing for the health impacts associated with large gatherings, summer weather, international travel and increased activity across the region. Guidance will include reminders about heat safety, hydration, illness prevention, food safety, access to medical care and how to stay healthy in crowds.
"The World Cup brings extraordinary energy, excitement, and visitors from around the globe to Massachusetts. And public health will be right there every step of the way," said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. "With our many partners across the state, the Department of Public Health has been planning for well over a year to keep people healthy and safe while they celebrate, cheer, and enjoy our beautiful Commonwealth. From monitoring for infectious disease and extreme heat to strengthening healthcare readiness and emergency response systems, our work will continue to be constant, coordinated, and deeply focused on prevention. When public health succeeds, people simply enjoy the moment, unaware of the vast network of preparation and monitoring going on behind the scenes. Our goal is simple: for every visitor to leave Massachusetts with great memories and in good health."
Federal, state and local law enforcement partners are coordinating on information-sharing, threat assessment, public safety planning and suspicious activity reporting. Officials encouraged the public to stay aware of their surroundings and report suspicious activity to law enforcement, venue security, event staff or public safety personnel. If there is an immediate threat or emergency, call 9-1-1.
Regional partners are also coordinating across state lines to support preparedness and information-sharing connected to World Cup-related impacts, including team-related activity, travel, public safety planning and emergency management coordination.
"The FIFA World Cup 2026 is the largest sporting event in history, and our preparation matches its global significance. We are deeply grateful to our federal partners, first responders, and the many individuals across public safety, healthcare, transportation, and emergency management. Together, we have built a best-in-class safety and security program designed to protect our residents, visitors, teams, officials, and fans. We're ready to welcome the world to Boston," said Ryan Winmill, Vice President and Chief Security Officer, Boston 26.
“Massachusetts has become a national model for planning and coordinating public safety operations for large-scale special events. The World Cup has provided an opportunity to bring together hundreds of partners across every level of government and the private sector to build an integrated preparedness effort unlike any in our state's history," said MEMA Director Dawn Brantley. "The result is a level of readiness that reflects the Commonwealth's commitment to hosting a safe, secure, and successful World Cup for residents, visitors, athletes, and fans from around the globe.”
As part of the coordinated public information effort, partners will regularly share safety and health tips across websites, social media platforms, newsletters, digital graphics, PSAs and community channels. Materials were designed for use by municipalities, public safety organizations, public health partners, emergency management partners, venue and event partners, community organizations, hospitality partners and other groups that interact with residents and visitors.
The campaign will continue through the tournament and will include reminders on 9-1-1 use, emergency alerts, suspicious activity reporting, drones, fireworks, scams, fan conduct, heat safety, food safety, illness prevention, venue guidance and support resources.
For World Cup safety, health and preparedness guidance from Massachusetts partners, visit Mass.gov/WorldCup.
For official event, venue, match, Fan Festival, ticketing, registration and stadium information, visit bostonfwc26.com.
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