Prepping for World Cup Health Challenges

A FIFA Boston 2026 scarf and soccer ball behind city and state officials at a FIFA-related announcement in downtown Boston on Feb. 10, 2026.

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While Foxborough officials and FIFA World Cup organizers finally on the same page, state public health officials are preparing, including how to handle everything from minor illnesses to tragedies.

Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein said officials are coordinating with local boards of health, health care providers and emergency management agencies. The preparation for the matches that will unfold in June and July also involves "comprehensive" multi-agency collaboration, he said.

Swarms of international visitors are expected in Massachusetts for the seven matches in Foxborough, where a key license remains in limbo as town officials push for upfront security funding. Large fan celebrations will also be held at Boston City Hall Plaza.

DPH is providing resources for fans on how to access medical care and stay healthy, with the aim of ensuring people can "enjoy these events comfortably and safely," Goldstein said.

The commissioner said DPH is "leaning into real-time surveillance and situational awareness, coordinated emergency preparedness and response, health care system readiness, risk communication and close collaboration with local, state, federal and private partners."

FIFA organizers have said they expect Massachusetts will see two million visitors for the soccer matches.