NJDOH Launches Public Health Resource Hub Ahead of 2026 World Cup

TRENTON, NJ - With the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ just days away, the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) today announced the launch of the World Cup 2026 Health Hub, a comprehensive public health resource designed to keep fans, residents, and visitors safe throughout the tournament. The tournament is expected to bring more than 1.2 million visitors from around the world to the greater New Jersey region for matches at New York New Jersey (MetLife) Stadium in East Rutherford and Philadelphia Stadium (Lincoln Financial Field) and other events, including friendly matches and fan events, this summer.

The hub, available at nj.gov/health/world-cup, provides clear, actionable guidance on a wide range of health topics including heat safety, sun safety, air quality, tick and mosquito protection, food safety, drug safety, and more. It also offers guidance to help global visitors navigate the U.S. health care system, as well as informational resources for New Jersey health care and public health professionals.

"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."

"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."

The World Cup 2026 Health Hub includes:

• Topic pages covering heat-related illness, sun safety, air quality, tick and mosquito safety, food safety, drug safety, and what to do if you feel sick
• Medical care guidance for visitors navigating New Jersey's health care system, including key emergency contacts
• A Professional Resource page featuring surveillance dashboards, provider guidance, and training resources for health care workers and public health professionals
• A Social Media Toolkit with downloadable graphics and suggested captions in English and Spanish for partner organizations to share across their networks

New Jersey will host eight World Cup matches at New York New Jersey Stadium, including matches during Round of 32, Round of 16, and the Final. Fans can find the full match schedule for both New Jersey/New York and Philadelphia venues on the hub.

NJDOH encourages all attendees to review the hub before match day, download the Everbridge public safety app for real-time event updates and safety notifications, and save key numbers including 911 for emergencies, 988 for mental health crises, and 211 for community services.

Public health preparations for the World Cup have been underway since early 2025, with the goal of safeguarding the health and well-being of visitors and New Jersey residents alike.

The Department's planning and preparedness efforts aim to protect the health and safety of all travelers and residents; help health care partners manage extreme heat events, mass casualty incidents, disease outbreaks, and other emergencies; and maintain baseline public health operations throughout the weeks-long event. NJDOH continues to work closely with the New Jersey State Police and New Jersey Office of Emergency Management, which is directing World Cup efforts on behalf of the State, alongside federal, regional, state, and local partners.

During the tournament, NJDOH is coordinating the statewide health and medical response. This includes deploying staff to critical locations across the state, conducting enhanced disease surveillance, tracking potential health threats across host cities, and strengthening information sharing across jurisdictions.

This readiness reflects the range of public health risks that accompany a large-scale international gathering: seasonal threats such as extreme heat, air quality issues, and vector-borne diseases; event-related risks such as injuries, burns, crowd surges, and drug- and alcohol-related emergencies; strains on public health and health care systems, including patient surges at hospitals and urgent care centers; and travel-related infectious diseases. NJDOH also coordinates with partner agencies on mass casualty preparedness and on issues that fall outside the Department's direct authority but require a unified response, including human trafficking.

For more information, visit nj.gov/health/world-cup or contact the Office of Communications at [email protected].

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The New Jersey Department of Health is a nationally accredited health department working to ensure that all New Jerseyans live long, healthy lives and reach their fullest potential. With more than 6,000 employees, the Department serves to protect the public's health, promote healthy communities, and continue to improve the quality of health care in New Jersey.