International SOS Prepares Organizations Ahead of 2026’s Major Soccer Tournament Spanning Three Nations

The biggest soccer tournament of 2026 will mark a historic milestone as the first time the tournament is hosted across three nations - the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In preparation for the major international tournament, International SOS is mobilizing its resources to support organizations and attendees with comprehensive planning and risk mitigation solutions. 

With 16 host cities and 104 matches scheduled to kick off in June 2026, the tournament is expected to draw over 5 million attendees, with average match attendance surpassing 50,000. While the tournament promises global excitement and celebration, it also presents unique security and health challenges.

Dylan Evans, Director of Security Solutions at International SOS, said

The vast majority of visitors will enjoy a safe and successful tournament experience. However, 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.

Jaci Whitehouse, Regional Security Manager, North America at International SOS, said

 

With three host countries, multiple jurisdictions, and evolving risks, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. That’s why we’re working closely with our clients to understand their specific needs and deliver tailored support every step of the way.

As a major international event, the 2026 tournament demands careful security, health, and Duty of Care planning. International SOS highlights critical risk factors in each host nation:

• Mexico: Elevated risks from organized crime and cartel violence, public safety challenges in urban areas, particularly outside of official tournament zones, infrastructure and logistical strain at transportation networks and event venues, health risks including vector-borne diseases and altitude related issues, as well as mental health considerations related to unfamiliar environments and safety concerns.
• Canada: Potential disruption near venues due to protests related to Indigenous rights and environmental issues, low-level terrorism threats from lone actors, environmental hazards like forest fires, and large crowd-related congestion leading to injuries and healthcare delays.
• United States: Active assailant threats including shootings, political demonstrations, severe weather events such as extreme heat and hurricanes, and healthcare-related issues due to complex and costly healthcare systems.

In addition to these challenges, attendees of the 2026 tournament should be aware of a range of cross-border health considerations across all locations. These include accidents, illness, heatstroke, food/water poisoning, infectious diseases and pandemics, limited or complicated access to care, language and cultural barriers, medical costs and prescription regulations as well as environmental health threats and system complexities.

Dr Michael Shusko, Chief Medical Officer at International SOS, said

Attending large-scale tournaments in densely populated cities significantly increases health risks - not only due to potential injuries or infectious diseases, but also because local medical infrastructure can be overwhelmed. Our services ensure your people are prepared, protected, and supported every step of the way.

To meet evolving client needs, International SOS is offering enhanced Security & Health Tournament Protection packages for the 2026 tournament. Services include:

• 24/7 Assistance Center Access
• Timely and Actionable Alerts on threats and disruptions
• Pre-Tournament Webinars on security & health
• Downloadable Security & Health Guide
• Local Security Briefings with region-specific insights

Available add on services include:

• Medical Services: 24/7 Concierge Medicine, Onsite Medical Staffing, Healthcare Coordination and Medical Evacuation by Air.
• Security Services: Executive Protection, VIP Security Support, Managed Protective Intelligence, Secure Transportation, Airport Meet & Greet Security, Pre-Event Risk Assessment and Crisis Simulation & Private Event Security Planning.

International SOS has 40 years of experience supporting major global sporting events. With operations in over 90 countries and services offered in 110+ languages, International SOS is uniquely positioned to support organizations in delivering safe, successful experiences.

To learn more, join our webinar: Be Prepared for the Biggest Soccer Tournament in 2026: Health & Security Advice From Our Experts on Wednesday, September 18 at 12:00 PM EST.