June 11, 2026

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Kick Off the World Cup Safely: Score Big on Fun While Staying Safe and Healthy

As the region prepares to welcome visitors and global attention during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Los Angeles County is reminding our communities to score big on health, safety and support.

Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, the Department of Public Health, the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services Agency, and the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation teamed up today to kick off the World Cup by sharing health and safety guidance and resources for enjoying the matches.

“As we prepare to host matches and free fan zones—including my own Fan Zone on July 4 and 5 at LA County’s Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson Park—our priority is ensuring everyone can celebrate safely. I encourage residents and visitors alike to follow the guidance from the County’s Department of Public Health so we can fully enjoy the return of this historic sporting event to Los Angeles County,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell.

“We are thrilled to welcome world class soccer teams and fans to Los Angeles County for the 2026 World Cup,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.  “We want our visitors and communities to have fun and safely enjoy everything Los Angeles has to offer. Everyone should be cautious in the heat and sun, and stay hydrated. If you’re not feeling well, stay home to avoid spreading common diseases, and be sure you’re buying food from permitted businesses that follow food safety regulations.”

Health and Safety Guidance

  Heat and Hydration

• Stay hydrated throughout the day by bringing a reusable water bottle when out or visiting one of the hydration stations near and around SoFi Stadium.
• Wear appropriate clothing; for hot days, wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and add a hat and sunglasses for extra protection.
• Don’t forget to take multiple breaks in the shade and wear sunscreen to prevent sunburn.
• If you need help finding a cooling center in Los Angeles County, call 211.
• Check on those most vulnerable to heat such as outside workers, people with disabilities, older adults, pregnant people, and young children.
• Heat stroke is a medical emergency, if you or someone experience high body temperatures (103F or higher), vomiting, confusion, or losing consciousness, call 911 right away.

Safe Celebrations

• People should always plan ahead, never drive or operate a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or substances, use a designated sober driver or a rideshare service, take public transportation like the LA Metro, or ask a friend or family member who isn’t drinking or using substances for a ride.
• If you or a loved one chooses to use substances, carry naloxone, avoid mixing drugs, never use alone, and test the presence of fentanyl in drugs with fentanyl test strips before you use.
• If you think someone is overdosing, lay them on their back, shout and gently shake their shoulder, call 911, administer naloxone, start rescue breathing if needed, administer a second dose of naloxone if the person is still not responsive, and stay with the person until emergency assistance arrives.

Preventing the Spread of Disease

• Stay home when sick.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, upper sleeve or elbow.
• Consider wearing a mask indoors, especially in crowded places.
• Wash hands often with soap and warm water.
• Because measles spreads very easily, everyone is encouraged to become familiar symptoms of measles and inform a doctor right away if symptoms appear, especially if they were exposed to measles, are not vaccinated and/or have recently traveled.

Food Safety

• Look for the letter. Letter grades show that a food business has a valid.
  • Food businesses that must display a Public Health Letter Grade include restaurants, mobile food vendors (food trucks, trailers, carts, and boats), markets, catering facilities, and convenience stores.
  • A reminder to residents and visitors that sidewalk pop-up food vendors are not allowed under State law, and are not inspected for food safety.

Road/Pedestrian Safety

• Whether traveling by foot, bicycle, or vehicle, staying alert and following traffic laws can help prevent crashes, injuries, and fatalities, particularly in busy event areas.
• Drivers are encouraged to avoid distractions, obey traffic signals, and maintain safe speeds, while pedestrians and cyclists should remain aware of their surroundings, make eye contact with drivers before crossing, and stay visible, especially at night.

STI Prevention

• Take DoxyPEP after unprotected sex to reduce your change of getting certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.
  • Two 100mg tablets of DoxyPEP should be taken within 24 hours, but no later than 72 hours after unprotected sex.
• Using barriers such as condoms during sex can also reduce your risk of getting HIV or passing it to a partner.
• Get tested for STI’s every 3-4 months while taking DoxyPEP and whenever you have symptoms.

Winning Starts With Staying Safe

Public Health this month launched the “Winning Starts With…” campaign and webpage, which includes resources to:

• Promote access to health and support resources across the County.
• Help visitors and residents explore fan support locations, health and hydration stations, transit information, community safety resources as well as urgent care clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, and other healthcare access points via an interactive map.
• Support overdose prevention efforts, including availability of free naloxone at designated fan zones and community health stations.
• Share multilingual public information and downloadable educational materials to help communities stay informed and prepared.
• These efforts are designed to help residents and visitors celebrate safely while ensuring communities have access to the services and support they may need.