FIFA World Cup 2026™ Health Guidance for St. Louis Visitors

Watch events will take place from June 16 to July 11 and an influx of visitors is expected that may seek medical care for a variety of reasons.

May 29, 2026 | 2 min reading time

St. Louis will serve as a major hub during the 2026 World Cup, June 16 to July 11, despite not hosting any official matches. The city will experience high-density crowds, prolonged outdoor exposure, heavy alcohol consumption, international visitors, and events spread across multiple locations.

This combination increases risk for heat-related illness, injuries, communicable disease spread, and strain on emergency systems.

Health Tips and Guidance

Heat and Hydration 

  • Heat-related illness is the most predictable and preventable risk.
  • Take advantage of cooling stations around Energizer Park and the surrounding areas. Keep cool during extreme heat, wear light, loose-fitted clothing. If you get overheated, move to a shaded area. 

Hand Hygiene

  • Practicing hand hygiene prevents illnesses and the spread of infections to others.
  • Wash hands often, especially before eating and after using the restroom. 

Alcohol and Crowd Behavior

  • Know your limits before you arrive. There are medical and sobering tents available for use. Be aware of alcohol service limits and water pairing policies. 
  • Anyone in attendance can ask an usher or stadium worker for assistance.

Medical Services

Emergency Medical Service units will be positioned throughout Energeizer Park and the City. First Aid Rooms at Energizer Park:

  • Main Concourse, behind Section 142
  • Upper Concourse, behind Sections 225/226

Emergency Preparedness

  • Plan for severe weather, crowd incidents, and security threats. Sign up for the emergency alert system.
  • Sign up for NotifySTL emergency alerts to receive important updates during events and severe weather. Fast alerts help you stay informed and prepared. 

Food Safety

  • Food-borne illness can be an issue. City of St Louis Department of Health’s Food and Beverage Control will be on-site, helping to ensure the safety of food. 
  • Please purchase food and drinks from approved vendors and reputable sources. 
  • If food doesn’t look or smell right, don’t risk it. Be mindful if a food or drink container is breached. 

Stay Home if Sick

  • Stay home if you are sick. If you have a fever, cough or other contagious symptoms, avoid events and gatherings. Wash hands frequently. Use soap and water and scrub hands for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when handwashing isn’t possible. Cover coughs and sneezes. Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue.

Apply Sunscreen and Bug Spray

  • Apply a layer of sunscreen to exposed skin 15-30 minutes before going outdoors. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, and again after sweating. 
  • Apply bug spray to combat mosquitoes and other bugs and remain safe from potential illnesses. The CDC recommends using EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET to protect against mosquito and tick bites. 

Related Links

Energizer Park

State of MO World Cup in Missouri - 2026

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Related Services

  1. Apply for Temporary Food Permits Instructions on how to apply for temporary food permits in the City of St. Louis
  2. Sign Up for Emergency Alerts via NotifySTL Receive alerts for severe weather, critical incidents, service disruptions, and evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods.
  3. Visit the Health Stop Testing and Referral Center Sexual health testing and referral services available four days a week at no cost.
  4. Obtain Medical Records Process for obtaining medical records from the Department of Health.
  5. Register with the Functional Needs Registry The Functional Needs Registry is a database containing information about individuals residing in the City of St. Louis who may require assistance in the event of an emergency.

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