What is the FIFA World Cup 2026 and when is it?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the 23rd edition of the tournament and the first to be co-hosted by three nations. It runs from 11 June to 19 July 2026 across 16 host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, featuring an expanded field of 48 teams and 104 matches. The opening match will be held at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, with the final scheduled for 19 July at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Which host cities are most affected?
United States: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle. Canada: Toronto, Vancouver. Mexico: Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey. Major road closures, parking restrictions, and security perimeters are in place around stadiums including Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Gillette Stadium, AT&T Stadium, NRG Stadium, GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, SoFi Stadium, Hard Rock Stadium, MetLife Stadium, Lincoln Financial Field, Levi’s Stadium, Lumen Field, BMO Field, BC Place, Estadio Azteca, Estadio Akron, and Estadio BBVA.
What are the key risks and security measures?
Road closures and traffic: Rolling closures, parking controls, and traffic diversions around stadium districts, airports, and entertainment zones on match days. Public transport: Elevated passenger volumes on metro, rail, bus, and shuttle systems. Fan festival risks: Large public gatherings, crowd surges, and petty crime near fan zones. Aviation and border: Higher international arrivals, enhanced screening, and longer processing times. Protest activity: Demonstrations expected in multiple host cities, driven by geopolitical tensions, immigration policies, labour issues, and social grievances. Mexico City faces multiple scheduled demonstrations, including CNTE strikes, Madres Buscadoras, and transport worker protests. Los Angeles and Seattle face elevated protest risks around matches involving IR Iran. The US has designated high-priority fixtures as National Special Security Events (NSSEs), with USD 625 million allocated for security. Mexico is implementing Plan Kukulcan with approximately 100,000 personnel. Canada has allocated CAD 145 million for security in Toronto and Vancouver.
What are the Ebola-related measures?
The US, Canada, and Mexico have introduced temporary public health and border measures for travellers from the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan. The US requires enhanced screening at four designated airports: Washington Dulles (IAD), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta (ATL), George Bush Intercontinental Houston (IAH), and John F. Kennedy New York (JFK). Canada has suspended immigration documents for residents of affected countries and requires a 21-day quarantine for asymptomatic travellers. Mexico has reinforced airport screening and issued a preventive travel advisory.
What should organisations and individuals do to prepare?
Organisations should monitor official FIFA updates, host-city websites, airport advisories, and local police channels. Pre-book accommodation in advance, map alternate routes, and develop employee movement advisories for match days. Avoid critical meetings near stadiums and fan festivals. Maintain robust contingency transport plans, including staggered shifts and remote work. Supply-chain teams should reroute shipments away from restricted zones. Individuals should carry valid photo ID and travel documents, avoid protest sites, allow substantial additional travel time, and use only official transport channels. Emergency contacts: Unified Tri-National Emergency Number: 911 (US, Canada, Mexico). Mexico Bilingual Tourist Aid: 078 (Ángeles Verdes).
Frequently asked questions
When is the FIFA World Cup 2026?
The tournament runs from 11 June to 19 July 2026 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Which cities are hosting matches?
The 16 host cities are Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle (US); Toronto, Vancouver (Canada); Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey (Mexico).
What are the emergency contact numbers for the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Unified Tri-National Emergency Number: 911 (US, Canada, Mexico). Mexico Bilingual Tourist Aid: 078 (Ángeles Verdes).
Download the full advisory now
datasurfr’s Situational Update on the FIFA World Cup 2026 carries the complete host city risk assessment, the full security measures, and a detailed contacts directory. Download the full advisory now to brief your travel and continuity teams.
Filed under: AmericasThreat Intelligence Special Reports
