Article
Be Ready for the World's Largest Soccer Tournament in 2026
Updated
Ensuring Health and Safety Across Three Host Nations in 2026
The biggest soccer tournament of 2026 will be a historic tournament held across 16 cities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico—the first to span three countries.
Kicking off in June, it’s expected to draw over 6.1 million attendees across 104 matches. With global excitement comes the need for careful planning to ensure health, safety, and security for all.
While many visitors will enjoy a safe and successful experience, each host country presents distinct risk factors—ranging from organized crime and infrastructure strain in Mexico, to weather disruptions and localized acts of violence in the United States, and potential protest activity in Canada. Proactive planning is critical to protecting people and ensuring operational continuity.
Dylan Evans, Director, Security Solutions at International SOS
Key Risk Considerations by Country
Mexico
Crime: Risks of violence, extortion, and kidnapping in some areas
Safety: High-crime zones need extra caution
Infrastructure: Transport and venue challenges
Health: Disease, altitude effects, and stress risks
Mental Health: Anxiety and sleep issues due to environment and security concerns
United States of America
Active Assailants: Risk of targeted violence at high-profile events
Civil Unrest: Protests may disrupt access, especially in major cities
Severe Weather: Heat, hurricanes, and storms may impact health and safety
Healthcare: Complex, costly system may hinder access and response
Canada
Protests: Possible near venues; usually peaceful but may cause disruptions
Terrorism: Low but ongoing risk; requires law enforcement coordination
Environment: Seasonal wildfires may affect air quality
Injuries: Crowd-related injuries possible at events
Healthcare: Quality care, but access may be limited or delayed
HOW WE CAN SUPPORT YOU
Health & Security Tournament Protection
24/7 Assistance Center Access – Rapid access to medical, security, and travel support via a dedicated line which will be available throughout the tournament.
Timely and Actionable Alerts* – 24/7 updates on protests, crime, weather disruptions, and other emerging threats, delivered straight to your device.
Pre-Tournament Health & Security Webinars – Virtual expert-led sessions offering practical advice, health and safety tips, and live Q&A to help travelers prepare with confidence.
Tournament Health & Security Guide – A downloadable reference with emergency procedures, key contacts, safety protocols, and healthcare insights for each host country.
Local Insights & Security Briefing – City-specific guidance on local laws, customs, areas to avoid, and how to navigate safely during your stay.
*Available for Workforce Resilience (WFR) Clients only.
Medical Services Add-Ons
24/7 Concierge Medicine – Provides licensed on-demand, personalized direct-accessed medical support.
Onsite Medical Staffing – Offers access to licensed medical professionals for urgent care at event venues.
Healthcare Coordination Support – For navigating local healthcare systems, including help with visits to hospitals, clinics, or other facilities.
Security Add-Ons
Executive Protection – To support any needs throughout the tournament.
VIP Security Support – Comprehensive planning and management of executive protection and logistics.
Managed Protective Intelligence – Offers real-time insights on emerging threats before and during the event.
Pre-Event Risk Assessment – Ongoing identification and assessment of security risks to attendees and activities.
Secure Transportation – Pre-screened drivers and vehicles for safe, reliable travel between venues and accommodations.
Airport Meet & Greet Security – Private transfers with vetted staff and secure vehicles for a safe, smooth arrival.
Private Event Add-Ons
Tournament Security & Medical Review – Customized and comprehensive security assessments and emergency response planning for private gatherings, corporate functions, or sponsor events.
Crisis Simulation – Tabletop exercises that test, identify gaps and enhance your team’s readiness for medical, security, or operational disruptions.
40 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE SUPPORTING EVENTS
Over the past decade, our experience supporting organizations at high-profile global events has shown that a trusted, experienced partner is essential to ensuring attendee safety.
Global Soccer Competitions:
- 2025 Club Cup Tournament
- 2023 Women’s World Championship Australia & New Zealand
- 2022 Tournament in Qatar
- 2018 Tournament in Russia
- 2014 Tournament in Brazil
Summer & Winter Games:
- 2024 Paris Summer Games
- 2021 Tokyo Summer Games
- 2018 Korea Winter Games
- 2016 Brazil Summer Games
- 2008 Beijing Games
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
With over 5 million expected attendees across three countries, the event brings unique security, health, and logistical challenges. Proactive planning helps minimize disruptions and facilitates timely responses to help protect your people.
International SOS offers 24/7 access to medical and security support, real-time threat alerts*, expert-led risk briefings, and on-the-ground health and security resources to enable protection of your people throughout the tournament.
*Available for Workforce Resilience Clients.
The Health & Security Tournament Protection provides essential support to help keep attendees safe, informed, and prepared throughout the tournament. It includes:
- 24/7 access to medical, security, and travel assistance
- Real-time alerts on protests, weather issues, and other risks (for Workforce Resilience clients)
- Pre-tournament webinars with expert health and safety advice
- City-specific safety briefings on local laws, customs, and navigation tips
- A downloadable guide with emergency contacts, safety protocols, and healthcare details
To enhance this protection, you can choose from a variety of Add-On solutions that provide even more support. These include:
- Medical Add-Ons like onsite medical staff, healthcare coordination, and 24/7 personalized medical support
- Private Event Add-Ons such as security and medical planning for gatherings, and crisis simulation exercises
- Security Add-Ons offering VIP and executive protection, real-time threat monitoring, secure transportation, and airport meet & greet services
These Add-Ons allow your organization to create a customized safety plan that fits your specific needs, with help from International SOS experts.
Our team can rapidly coordinate care, evacuation, or crisis response with licensed professionals and local partners—enabling your people to receive expert support when it matters most.
Yes. We provide onsite medical staffing, executive protection, secure transportation, and private event assessments to manage health and safety at every level.
What sets International SOS apart from other providers is its unmatched global experience, reach, and expertise in keeping people safe at major international events.
40 years of experience supporting clients worldwide
Robust global network of partners
- Collaboration with ministries of health, WHO, CDC, and aviation, energy, and maritime authorities, with privileged access to critical intelligence and corridors of influence
Operations in over 90 countries and support in over 110 languages, ensuring truly global coverage
A strong track record of supporting high-profile events, including:
- Global soccer tournaments (Qatar 2022, Russia 2018, Brazil 2014, and more)
- Summer and Winter Olympic Games (Paris 2024, Tokyo 2021, Korea 2018, etc.)
- Global Economic Forum in Davos, 2022
A wide physical presence with clinics, hospitals, and response centers, including 36 locations in North America alone
Specialized facilities such as air ambulance services, security centers, and occupational health clinics
This deep expertise, proven performance at global events, and comprehensive medical and security infrastructure make International SOS a trusted and capable partner for organizations that prioritize the safety and well-being of their people.
Once the contact form above is filled, our team of experts will reach out to assess your needs and build a custom solution to keep your people safe.