Ireland 
Traveling abroad for the FIFA World Cup is usually a safe and enjoyable experience, but large international events like this create specific health and safety risks. Find out about those risks and how to travel smart:
Plan ahead.
This year the FIFA World Cup is taking place in Canada, Mexico and the USA from 11 June to 19 July 2026 across 16 host cities.
Make sure when you book your flights and accommodation that you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers pre-existing medical conditions, hospital treatment abroad and emergency evacuation or repatriation.
Check the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice before you go. It will provide you with all the information regarding visa and entry requirements for each host country, travel insurance, match tickets and stadium access procedures.
The FCDO states. that fans must carry an ESTA (Electronic system for travel Authorization) or Visa and proof of identity with them at all times.
Carry copies of any prescriptions and have plenty of medication for the trip. Travel with copies of passports, have access to health insurance details and learn local emergency numbers.
Health risks
Vaccinations – make sure you are up to date.
Before travelling it is important to be up to date with routine vaccination courses and boosters as recommended in the UK. These include MMR and TDP. You may want to consider the Covid vaccine if you are immunocompromised or have a long-term health condition that makes you vulnerable to infection.
As well as Tetanus, Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended for travel to Mexico. Both diseases are spread through contaminated food and water. Mosquito borne diseases are also a risk and include Dengue and Chikungunya. Mosquito bite prevention and the use of an insect repellent like DEET is important.
If you are travelling to Mexico make sure you seek vaccine advice from a travel health specialist.
Fatigue and travel stress
Fans often underestimate the toll travelling can have on the body, especially if travelling to multiple countries by plane to watch several matches. Unexpected delays, road closures, sleep deprivation and stress from crowded environments can all take their toll which can cause fatigue and reduce awareness making you vulnerable to accidents and scams.
Get plenty of rest when you can, allow at least 5 hours to get from your accommodation to the stadium to allow for, public transport surge, road closures and security checks.
Sun protection, Heat exhaustion and dehydration
This year’s World Cup hosts have hot or humid climates which increases the risk of sun burn as well as dehydration and heat exhaustion. These risks increase if you have to walk long distances through crowds, queue outside stadiums for hours, attend daytime matches during the hottest part of the day and are drinking alcohol. Warning signs of dehydration and heat exhaustion include dizziness, headache, nausea, confusion and muscle cramps
Always wear suncream, wear light clothing, stay hydrated and carry clean water. Stay in shaded areas where possible.
Alcohol risks
Tournament atmospheres often involve pre match drinking and heavy partying. It is easy to let your guard down. All travellers must be super vigilant and cautious when it comes to alcohol consumption. Stay sober enough to make decisions. Binge drinking increases risk-taking behaviours, compromises safety and increases risk of dehydration, illness, accidents and injury. Always be vigilant to the risk of spiking and methanol poisoning. Never leave your drink unattended. In Mexico It is illegal to drink in public places, including outside restaurants, theatres and stadiums. Doing so could lead to a £200 fine or arrest.
Always keep drinks in sight and avoid accepting drinks from unknown people.
Travellers’ diarrhoea (TD) and First aid
The risk of TD in Mexico is high. To reduce the risk, wash hands frequently, particularly after using the toilet and before food. Carry a hand sanitizer. Eat hot freshly cooked food and fruit you can peel. Drink bottled or purified water. To manage travellers’ diarrhoea and reduce the risk of dehydration use loperamide and rehydration salts. Always travel with your own first aid, do not assume you will find it readily available in country.
Always carry a medical kit such as the Core medical kit. It includes basic first aid to manage minor injuries and Travellers’ diarrhoea.
Crowd safety
The biggest physical danger at many tournaments is overcrowding on public transport, at stadium gates and in fan zones. Always identify your exits from the stadium as soon as you reach your section of the stadium. Avoid pushing crowds but if in one, move with it, then peel off to the side. Travel in groups if you can and agree a meet-up point in advance in case you get separated from each other.
Pickpocketing and scams
Major tournaments attract professional thieves. Common scams include ticket scams, fake taxis, card cloning, phone theft and bag snatching.
Refrain from displaying personal wealth. Be wary of scams. To avoid card cloning, always use ATMs located inside banks. Keep valuable safe. Wear your bag in front of your body or use a cross-body bag or money belt so you always have security of your belongings. Remain vigilant to ‘helpful’ distractors.
Violence between supporters
Most fans are peaceful, but tensions can rise between fans if there are controversial matches, heated arguments between rival supporter groups, alcohol consumption.
Avoid confrontations and leave areas where aggression is escalating.
Terrorism and security incidents
Global sporting events are high-profile targets so security will be high. Be alert to bag searches, armed police and surveillance.
Follow official instructions immediately during any evacuation or emergency alert.
To have a safe and enjoyable FIFA World Cup 2026 experience, it is vital to plan ahead and remain aware of potential travel, health, and safety risks. Being mindful of large crowds, the risk of theft, and alcohol-related incidents will help you stay informed and vigilant, allowing you to fully enjoy the matches, stadium atmosphere, and overall tournament experience safely.
https://www.travelsmartapp.com/fifa-world-cup-2026-travel-safety-guide/
https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/news/907/heading-abroad-to-watch-the-fifa-football-world-cup
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa/world-cup-2026
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mexico/world-cup-2026
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/canada/world-cup-2026
