Skip to main content

Protecting public health during the 2026 FIFA World Cup™

Preparing for safe and healthy celebrations.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup™ is coming to Massachusetts this summer. Matches will take place June 13-July 9, 2026. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is engaged in extensive planning and coordination to protect the health and safety of residents and visitors throughout the festivities.

DPH’s goal is to promote and maintain a healthy environment so that everyone who comes to this state for the World Cup or who lives in the Commonwealth can enjoy these events comfortably and safely.

How is DPH preparing?

DPH’s Office of Preparedness and Emergency Management (OPEM) is leading these efforts for the Department. OPEM’s long-tested experience successfully coordinating public health operations for major gatherings, like the Boston Marathon, will inform all activities. This involves:

  • Comprehensive, multi-agency planning
  • Real-time surveillance and situational awareness
  • Coordinated emergency preparedness and response actions
  • Health care system readiness
  • Risk communication
  • Close collaboration with local, state, federal, and private partners

Through experience with other large-scale events, DPH has strengthened its incident command capabilities and enhanced data-sharing and disease surveillance systems. It has also refined public health protocols, environmental health mitigation strategies, and medical surge planning. This positions DPH to provide comprehensive, tailored public health support during the events. 

The range of settings includes:

  • Boston (Gillette) Stadium and surrounding areas
  • FIFA Fan Festival™ on Boston City Hall Plaza
  • Other fan events and celebrations
  • Team base camps and training sites
  • Hotels and visitor accommodations
  • Transportation hubs
  • Other high-traffic venues

Who is DPH working with?

With a focus on both prevention and readiness, DPH is working in close partnership with the following, among others:

  • Local, state, and federal officials
  • Local boards of health
  • Hospitals and emergency medical services
  • Urgent care centers, community health centers, and other health care providers
  • State agencies throughout the Healey-Driscoll Administration
  • Rhode Island Department of Health
  • Community organizations
  • Boston 26, the official Host City initiative for the FIFA World Cup 2026™

The collective power of these partnerships will help identify potential health and safety issues. Together, we will prepare timely and effective responses to possible public health challenges. 

What is DPH preparing for?

DPH will be ready to handle a wide range of issues. This includes everything from minor illness to disease outbreaks to a mass casualty incident. Particular attention will be focused on:

  • Infectious disease outbreaks, including infectious disease not commonly experienced in the United States
  • Foodborne illness
  • Mass casualty events and other events that may increase health care demand
  • Weather-related hazards, including extreme heat, severe storms, and other environmental health concerns

This means enhanced disease surveillance and monitoring, environmental health oversight, extreme heat preparation, food safety monitoring, and ongoing coordination and communication with health care providers and public safety officials across the region.

Resources

DPH information

Additional information

Help Us Improve Mass.gov  with your feedback

Please do not include personal or contact information.
Feedback