Stay Healthy & Safe During the Big Matches This Summer

Missouri’s public health game plan

The World Cup is coming to Missouri this summer. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is engaged in extensive planning and coordination to protect the health and safety of residents and visitors throughout the festivities.

Tips, alerts and resources are here to help visitors and residents enjoy the FIFA World Cup 2026™ events safely.

STATS

Kansas City events, June 11–July 11

Kansas City hosting 6 matches + fan events

650,000+ visitors expected

FOCUS AREAS

Increased crowds at matches, fan events, watch parties and celebrations will increase the potential for increased illness, injuries or other emergencies.
Public health risks to be prepared for:

PLAYBOOK

Heat Safety

Heat index temperatures over 100°F (37°C) are not uncommon in Missouri during June and July.

  • Stay hydrated; drink water regularly and before you become thirsty. Limit alcohol intake.
  • Take breaks in shaded or air‑conditioned areas. Find a cooling center if necessary.
  • Wear SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen, hats and lightweight clothes.
  • Recognize signs of heat illness.
    • Overheating = Dizziness, headache, nausea, muscle cramps and heavy sweating.
    • Heat stroke = Call 911 immediately if symptoms include confusion, no sweating, hot red skin, fainting/loss of consciousness, rapid pulse or body temperature over 103°F/39°C.

Preventing Illness

Flu, RSV and COVID‑19 can circulate even during the summer. Increased travel creates greater risk for sharing germs and spreading illness.

  • Wash or sanitize hands often, but especially:
    • After using the toilet.
    • Before/during/after food preparation.
    • Before eating.
    • After sneezing/coughing.
    • After touching high-contact surfaces such as railings, door handles, shopping carts or gas pumps.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue.
  • Avoid close contact with others if you are coughing or feeling sick.
  • Stay home or at your lodging if you have fever or respiratory symptoms.
  • Be aware that measles is on the rise internationally. Seek care immediately if you develop symptoms (fever, rash, cough, runny nose, red eyes) and have had recent travel or exposure.
  • Practice safer sex with condom use.

Preventing Foodborne Illness

  • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after preparing food.
  • Wash utensils, cutting boards and countertops with hot, soapy water after preparing each food item.
  • Separate raw meat from other foods.
  • Clean fruits and vegetables to remove dirt.
  • Check internal temperature with a food thermometer.
  • Refrigerate or freeze leftover food within two hours.
  • Do not eat unpasteurized milk, raw sprouts or raw dough.
  • Avoid undercooked meat, seafood and eggs.
  • When in doubt, throw it out.

Substance Use & Overdose Prevention

  • Start low and go slow. Read package labels carefully, especially for edibles, which may take longer to produce effects.

When to Seek Medical Care

Emergency Symptoms (Call 911):

  • Severe breathing difficulty.
  • Confusion or inability to stay awake.
  • Signs of heat stroke.
  • Severe allergic reaction.
  • Suspected overdose.

Non‑Emergency Care Options:

Safety in Crowded Events

  • Be aware of surroundings.
  • Stay with your group.
  • Identify event staff or security personnel.
  • Have a meeting point in case you get separated.
  • Know how to access emergency services (911).

Human Trafficking Awareness

Resources for Healthcare Professionals

Media Toolkits:

Vaccine Status (Missouri DHSS)
Public Health (Prepare Metro KC)
Beat the Heat (Missouri DHSS)
Human Trafficking (MoDOT / Missouri Attorney General)

More resources