TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Department of Health has launched an online public health resource hub ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, providing safety information and health guidance for the more than 1.2 million visitors expected to travel to the region during the tournament.
The World Cup 2026 Health Hub, available at nj.gov/health/world-cup, offers information on topics including heat safety, sun protection, air quality, tick and mosquito prevention, food safety, drug safety and navigating the U.S. health care system.
New Jersey will host eight World Cup matches at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, including Round of 32, Round of 16 and Final matches. Additional tournament-related events, including friendly matches and fan activities, are expected throughout the region this summer.
“In just a few days, we will welcome the world to New Jersey for the first of eight World Cup matches to be played in our state,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill. “Our top priority is ensuring a safe, successful, and memorable World Cup experience for both visitors and New Jersey residents. That is why agencies across state government have spent years planning and coordinating to host this tournament. We look forward to welcoming soccer fans from around the world and encourage everyone attending a match to review these important health resources.”
The health hub includes guidance on heat-related illnesses, air quality concerns, foodborne illnesses, insect-borne diseases and what to do if someone becomes sick during the event. It also provides emergency contact information and resources for visitors seeking medical care while in New Jersey.
For health care providers and public health professionals, the site includes surveillance dashboards, provider guidance and training materials. A social media toolkit with downloadable graphics and suggested posts in English and Spanish is also available for community organizations and public agencies.
“We’re proud to welcome the world to New Jersey this summer, and we want every fan, visitor, and resident to have a safe and healthy experience,” said Dr. Raynard E. Washington, New Jersey’s Health Commissioner. “NJDOH and its partners have rigorously planned and prepared for every potential public health challenge. This hub ensures that people have the information they need, when they need it.”
State health officials said planning for the tournament began in early 2025 and has involved coordination among the Department of Health, New Jersey State Police, the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management and federal, regional, state and local partners.
During the tournament, the department will oversee statewide health and medical response efforts, including deploying personnel to key locations, enhancing disease surveillance, monitoring potential public health threats and facilitating information sharing among jurisdictions.
Officials said preparations have focused on addressing a range of potential risks associated with a major international event, including extreme heat, poor air quality, mosquito- and tick-borne illnesses, crowd-related injuries, drug- and alcohol-related emergencies, infectious disease concerns and potential strains on hospitals and urgent care centers.
The department also said it is working with partner agencies on mass casualty preparedness and issues requiring coordinated responses, including human trafficking.
Health officials encourage attendees to review the online resource hub before arriving at matches, download the Everbridge public safety app for real-time updates and save important emergency numbers, including 911 for emergencies, 988 for mental health crises and 211 for community services.
Additional information is available at nj.gov/health/world-cup.
