SAFE GAME 2026
The complete safety, emergency & travel guide for international visitors arriving in the United States, Mexico, and Canada — for every nation, every language, every fan.
🔑 THE GOLDEN RULE: Save the emergency number of your destination country AND your home country's embassy phone number before you board your flight. Both. Every time.
Everything You Need
Stay safe, informed, and confident as an international visitor across three countries.
Why Safety Matters
The big picture for 5M global fans
USA Safety Guide
11 host cities · 911 · key tips
Mexico Safety Guide
3 host cities · tourist zones · alerts
Canada Safety Guide
2 host cities · health + public safety
Emergency Numbers
Police, fire, medical — all three countries
Embassy Directory
30+ embassies · direct phone numbers
Medical & Health
Insurance, hospitals, pharmacies
Digital & Scam Safety
SIM cards, WiFi, ticketing fraud
Transport & Stadium
Getting around safely between games
Language & Interpreter
Breaking language barriers in emergencies
FAQ
Most common visitor questions answered
Pre-Travel Checklist
30-point checklist before you fly
Why Safety Matters
FIFA World Cup 2026 is the first edition to span three countries simultaneously. With 5 million international visitors and 48 competing nations, the safety complexity is unprecedented in sports history.
New York/NJ, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Dallas, Atlanta, Miami, Boston, Philadelphia, Kansas City, Houston. Advanced healthcare infrastructure but high cost without insurance. Always carry ID.
Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey. Fan security zones will be designated. Exercise situational awareness outside tourist corridors. Tourist districts are actively protected.
Toronto, Vancouver. Among the safest urban environments globally. Universal healthcare does not apply to visitors. Weather can change rapidly — pack layers even in summer.
🇺🇸 United States Safety
Dial 911 for Police, Fire, and Medical Emergencies from any phone — including foreign SIM cards and landlines. Free to call. TTY available for hearing-impaired.
🪪 Carry ID Always
Law enforcement may request it. Keep a photocopy of your passport and a digital copy on your phone. Store the original in your hotel safe.
🏥 Medical Care is Expensive
A simple ER visit can cost $2,000–$10,000+. Purchase travel health insurance before arriving. Keep your insurance card accessible at all times.
🚗 Licensed Rideshares Only
Uber and Lyft are the standard. Always verify driver name, plate, and photo before entering. Never enter an unofficial "taxi" that approaches you.
🔫 Firearms Are Legal
This is unfamiliar to most international visitors. Avoid confrontations. If you witness a violent incident, move away and call 911.
💊 Medication Rules
Bring a 90-day supply in its original labeled packaging with a doctor's letter. Some controlled substances are federally illegal even if legal at home.
🌡 Weather Varies
Miami and Houston in June are hot and humid (95°F+). Seattle can be rainy. Dress and hydrate accordingly, especially during outdoor events.
📱 Emergency Apps
Download FEMA (fema.gov) and local emergency alert systems. Enable location-based alerts for severe weather and security notices.
⚖️ Know Your Rights
As a foreign visitor, you have the right to remain silent and contact your consulate if detained. Say: "I am a foreign national. I request contact with my consulate."
🇲🇽 Mexico Safety
911 — National emergency. 078 — Tourist Police (free hotline). 01 800 006 8839 — SECTUR Tourist Assistance (toll-free, 24/7).
The Mexican government has invested heavily in security infrastructure for 2026. Tourist areas in all three host cities are actively patrolled. The vast majority of visitors will experience Mexico's extraordinary culture, food, and warmth without incident.
🏟 Stay in Fan Zones
Official fan corridors will be established. Stay within them, particularly after matches.
🚕 App-Based Transport Only
Uber and DiDi operate in all three host cities. Never hail a street taxi ("libre"). CDMX Metro is safe during daytime hours.
💵 Carry Limited Cash
Use ATMs inside banks or malls only. Keep $500–$1,000 MXN per day. Use a front pocket or money belt.
💧 No Tap Water
Drink bottled water only, even for brushing teeth in non-tourist accommodations. Street food from busy, reputable vendors is generally safe.
📵 Hide Valuables
Keep phones, cameras, and jewelry out of sight in crowded areas. Use a basic secondary phone for navigation in unfamiliar neighborhoods.
⛰️ Altitude Warning
Mexico City sits at 7,350 ft. Visitors from sea level may experience fatigue and headache. Rest your first day, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol for 24 hours.
🏨 Private Hospitals
Hospital Ángeles, Médica Sur (CDMX), Hospital Country 2000 (GDL), and Hospital Muguerza (MTY) are internationally accredited.
👮 Fake Police
Real police will never ask for cash on the spot. If approached, ask to go to the nearest station or call 911 yourself.
🇨🇦 Canada Safety
911 — All emergencies. Non-emergency: Toronto (416) 808-2222, Vancouver (604) 717-3321. Tourism: 1-800-267-6788.
Most visa-exempt foreign nationals need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to Canada. Cost: CAD $7. Apply at canada.ca/eta before booking. Processing is usually minutes but can take several days.
🛡 Very Safe Cities
Toronto and Vancouver are consistently ranked in global top-20 safe cities. Violent crime against tourists is rare. Standard urban vigilance applies.
🏥 Healthcare Not Free for Visitors
Canada's universal healthcare covers citizens and permanent residents only. As a visitor, ER visits cost $1,000–$5,000+ CAD. Travel insurance is essential.
🌧 Weather Varies
Toronto averages 75°F (24°C); Vancouver is mild at 68°F (20°C) with frequent rain. Pack a light waterproof layer for Vancouver matches.
🚇 Excellent Transit
Toronto's TTC and Vancouver's SkyTrain are safe, reliable, and affordable. Pre-purchase PRESTO (Toronto) or Compass (Vancouver) cards.
🌿 Cannabis is Legal But
Legal for adults 19+. Not permitted in public spaces, vehicles, or near stadiums. Re-entering the USA or Mexico with cannabis — even legal Canadian products — is a federal crime.
🐻 Wildlife Awareness
British Columbia has active bear and cougar territories near hiking areas. Don't bring food onto nature trails. Follow posted wildlife advisories.
Emergency Numbers
Screenshot this page. Save these numbers before you land.
- FBI Tip Line1-800-CALL-FBI
- Poison Control1-800-222-1222
- Suicide/Crisis988
- Non-emergencyVaries by city
- Tourist Police078
- SECTUR Assist800 006 8839
- Red Cross065
- Highway Assist074
- Toronto Non-Emerg(416) 808-2222
- Vancouver Non-Emerg(604) 717-3321
- Poison Control1-800-567-8911
- Crisis Line1-833-456-4566
Host City Non-Emergency Police Lines
| City | Non-Emergency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 New York City | (646) 610-5000 | NYPD main |
| 🇺🇸 Los Angeles | (213) 486-2880 | LAPD main |
| 🇺🇸 Dallas | (214) 671-3345 | DPD non-emergency |
| 🇺🇸 Miami | (305) 579-6111 | Miami PD |
| 🇺🇸 Atlanta | (404) 614-6544 | APD non-emergency |
| 🇺🇸 Boston | (617) 343-4683 | BPD district line |
| 🇺🇸 Philadelphia | (215) 686-8686 | PPD main |
| 🇺🇸 Seattle | (206) 625-5011 | SPD non-emergency |
| 🇺🇸 Kansas City | (816) 234-5111 | KCPD non-emergency |
| 🇲🇽 Mexico City | 911 / 078 | Tourist Police 078 |
| 🇲🇽 Guadalajara | 911 / 33 3668-0600 | SSP Jalisco |
| 🇲🇽 Monterrey | 911 / 81 8342-0000 | Secretaría Seguridad NL |
| 🇨🇦 Toronto | (416) 808-2222 | TPS non-emergency |
| 🇨🇦 Vancouver | (604) 717-3321 | VPD non-emergency |
Embassy Directory
Contact your home country's diplomatic mission if your passport is lost or stolen, you are detained, or you need emergency repatriation. Always verify numbers at your government's official website before travel.
| Country | Washington D.C. Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina | +1 (202) 238-6400 | embassyofargentina.us |
| Australia | +1 (202) 797-3000 | usa.embassy.gov.au |
| Belgium | +1 (202) 333-6900 | unitedstates.diplomatie.belgium.be |
| Brazil | +1 (202) 238-2700 | washington.itamaraty.gov.br |
| Canada | +1 (202) 682-1740 | canadainternational.gc.ca |
| Chile | +1 (202) 785-1746 | chile.gob.cl/estados-unidos |
| Colombia | +1 (202) 387-8338 | colombia.embajada.gov.co |
| Ecuador | +1 (202) 234-7200 | embassy.ec |
| France | +1 (202) 944-6000 | franceintheus.org |
| Germany | +1 (202) 298-4000 | usa.diplo.de |
| Ghana | +1 (202) 686-4520 | ghanaembassy.org |
| Japan | +1 (202) 238-6700 | us.emb-japan.go.jp |
| Morocco | +1 (202) 462-7979 | embassyofmorocco.us |
| Mexico | +1 (202) 728-1600 | embamex.sre.gob.mx |
| Netherlands | +1 (202) 244-5300 | netherlandsandyou.nl |
| Nigeria | +1 (202) 986-8400 | nigeriaembassyusa.org |
| Portugal | +1 (202) 328-8610 | embaixada-portugal-washington.org |
| Saudi Arabia | +1 (202) 342-3800 | saudiembassy.net |
| Senegal | +1 (202) 234-0540 | ambasenegal-usa.org |
| South Korea | +1 (202) 939-5600 | overseas.mofa.go.kr/us-en |
| Spain | +1 (202) 452-0100 | exteriores.gob.es |
| Switzerland | +1 (202) 745-7900 | eda.admin.ch/washington |
| Turkey (Türkiye) | +1 (202) 612-6700 | washington.emb.mfa.gov.tr |
| United Kingdom | +1 (202) 588-6500 | gov.uk/world/usa |
| Uruguay | +1 (202) 331-1313 | embassyofuruguay.org |
| Country | Mexico City Phone | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina | +52 55 5520-9430 | Colonia Polanco |
| Brazil | +52 55 5202-7500 | Lomas de Chapultepec |
| Canada | +52 55 5724-7900 | 24/7 emergency line available |
| Colombia | +52 55 5520-6530 | Lomas de Chapultepec |
| France | +52 55 9171-9700 | Colonia Polanco |
| Germany | +52 55 5283-2200 | Lomas de Chapultepec |
| Japan | +52 55 5211-0028 | Colonia Polanco |
| Netherlands | +52 55 5258-9921 | Colonia Polanco |
| South Korea | +52 55 5202-9866 | Lomas de Chapultepec |
| Spain | +52 55 5282-2271 | Colonia Polanco |
| United Kingdom | +52 55 1670-3200 | Colonia Cuauhtémoc |
| United States | +52 55 5080-2000 | Colonia Cuauhtémoc · 24/7 |
| Country | Ottawa Phone | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | +1 (613) 236-0841 | High Commission |
| Brazil | +1 (613) 237-1090 | Embassy |
| France | +1 (613) 789-1795 | Embassy |
| Germany | +1 (613) 232-1101 | Embassy |
| Japan | +1 (613) 241-8541 | Embassy |
| Mexico | +1 (613) 233-8988 | Embassy |
| Nigeria | +1 (613) 294-2880 | High Commission |
| Portugal | +1 (613) 729-0883 | Embassy |
| South Korea | +1 (613) 244-5010 | Embassy |
| United Kingdom | +1 (613) 237-1530 | High Commission |
| United States | +1 (613) 688-5335 | Embassy |
Many countries also maintain consulates in Toronto and Vancouver. Search "[your country] consulate Toronto/Vancouver" for local emergency lines.
Medical & Health Safety
Potential cost of an ambulance ride + 2-night hospital stay in the USA without insurance. Travel health insurance is mandatory preparedness, not optional.
$500,000 USD medical coverage + medical evacuation. Verify pre-existing condition coverage. Purchase before departing your home country.
🇺🇸 USA Medical
Use Urgent Care Clinics for non-emergencies ($100–$250 vs $2,000+ ER minimum). CVS MinuteClinic and similar chains widely available. Call 911 for emergencies.
🇲🇽 Mexico Medical
Farmacias del Ahorro and Farmacias Similares have in-store doctors (~$3 USD). Private hospitals: Hospital Ángeles, Médica Sur, Hospital Muguerza. Red Cross: 065.
🇨🇦 Canada Medical
Walk-in clinics throughout Toronto and Vancouver ($100–$200 CAD). Major hospitals: Toronto General, Vancouver General — both world-class.
☀️ Heat Exhaustion Risk
The #1 medical issue at outdoor sports events. Drink 2–3 liters of water daily. Know the signs: dizziness, rapid heartbeat, confusion. Miami, Dallas, and Houston are especially hot in June.
💊 Pre-Travel Prep
Get a doctor's letter listing all medications (generic names, dosages, diagnosis). Carry it translated into English and Spanish. Bring a 90-day supply in original packaging.
🌡 Mexico Vaccinations
No vaccines required for USA or Canada. For Mexico, hepatitis A, typhoid, and updated tetanus are recommended by most travel medicine physicians.
Mental Health & Crisis Resources
Digital & Scam Safety
World Cup events attract sophisticated scammers targeting international visitors. Your phone is your lifeline — and your biggest vulnerability.
The only authorized ticket platform is FIFA's official ticketing website. Any third-party reseller offering "face value" or "behind-the-scenes access" tickets is high-risk. QR-code tickets can be duplicated — always verify via the official FIFA app at the gate.
Friendly Stranger
Someone befriends you, leads you to a restaurant or bar, disappears leaving you with an enormous bill. Always choose your own venue.
ATM Skimming
Use ATMs inside bank branches only, especially in Mexico. Cover your PIN. Use contactless payment where possible.
Fake Police
Especially relevant in Mexico. Real police will never ask for cash on the spot. Ask to go to the nearest station or call 911 yourself.
QR Code Phishing
Fake QR codes in public areas redirect to credential-stealing sites. Verify the URL after scanning before entering any information.
Fake Fan Merchandise
Counterfeit merchandise is common near stadiums. Counterfeit goods are also a customs violation — do not bring them home.
Your Digital Safety Kit
VPN App
Photo of Passport & Visa
Embassy Email Saved
Card Fraud Alerts On
eSIM / Local SIM Ready
Offline Maps Downloaded
Best eSIM services: Airalo, Holafly, eSIM Global. USA carriers: T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon. Mexico: Telcel. Canada: Rogers, Telus, Bell.
Transport & Stadium Safety
Getting to Stadiums
- Use official FIFA shuttle services where available from designated fan zones
- Confirm transport plan via the official FIFA app 48 hours before kickoff
- Don't drive yourself — parking is extremely limited at most venues
- Plan for a 60–90 minute buffer via public transit or rideshare
- Carry a valid passport for every border crossing, even by air
- Keep printed copies of ESTA/eTA approvals
At the Stadium
- Identify emergency exits when you enter — count rows to nearest exit
- In evacuation, move calmly and follow steward instructions. No elevators
- Clear bag policy: only bags up to 30×30×15cm permitted
- No sharp objects, glass, fireworks, or large umbrellas
- Enable location sharing with a trusted contact at home during each match
- With children: write your phone number on a wristband or inside their shoe
Road Safety
- USA: Drive right, speed in mph, hands-free required in many states
- USA: DUI penalties severe — immediate license confiscation possible
- Mexico: Stick to toll roads (cuotas). No driving at night in unfamiliar areas
- Mexico: Carry original passport in vehicle, not a copy
- Canada: Speed in km/h. Cellphone use illegal while driving in ON and BC
- Canada: Wildlife on roads is a genuine hazard in BC at dawn/dusk
Affiliate Disclosure: GO2CUP may earn a commission if you book through some of the travel planning links below, at no extra cost to you. Emergency, government, embassy, medical, public-safety, and official travel authorization links on this page are provided for public information only and should be verified directly with official sources. These are independent third-party services — they are not official World Cup or FIFA providers.
Optional Travel Planning Tools
Airport & Private Transfers
Compare private car, VIP, group, and bus transfer options across host cities.
Find transfer options →Tours & Local Activities
Explore day tours, transport passes, and fan-friendly experiences near host cities.
Check tours and activities →Attractions & Landmarks
Museums, family-friendly activities, and top visitor experiences across the USA.
Explore visitor activities →Backup Travel Options
Compare hotels, car options, and last-minute travel alternatives if plans change.
Plan backup travel options →Flight Disruption Help
Delayed or cancelled flight? Review your passenger rights and potential refund options.
Review passenger rights →Language & Interpreter Services
In an emergency, the language barrier can be the difference between getting help and being left behind. Every visitor has the right to an interpreter in medical and legal settings in all three host nations.
🇺🇸 USA Language Rights
Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, hospitals receiving federal funding must provide free interpreter services. Say: "I need an interpreter" or "Necesito un intérprete."
🇲🇽 Mexico Language Support
Tourist police and major hospitals in host cities will have multilingual staff. Your consulate can arrange consular assistance with language support.
🇨🇦 Canada Language Support
Canada is officially bilingual (English/French). BC and Ontario health authorities actively provide interpretation services for patients.
📱 Free Language Apps
Google Translate: Download offline packs. Camera mode reads signs. iTranslate / Microsoft Translator: Support group conversation for medical triage.
Emergency Phrases — Save These in Your Phone
If a US hospital refuses to provide interpretation in an emergency, contact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights: 1-800-368-1019.
FAQ
All three countries use 911 as the universal emergency number for police, fire, and medical emergencies. It is free to call from any phone, including foreign SIM cards.
Yes — especially for the USA, where uninsured medical care can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Minimum recommended coverage: $500,000 USD medical, including emergency evacuation. Purchase before departing your home country.
The three Mexican host cities — Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey — will have FIFA-mandated, government-enforced security corridors. Stick to designated fan zones, use app-based ridesharing, and avoid traveling alone at night outside tourist areas. Millions travel safely to these cities every year.
1) File a police report immediately. 2) Contact your country's nearest embassy or consulate with the police report number. 3) They will issue an emergency travel document. Keep a digital photo of your passport in cloud storage as backup.
Yes. Federally-funded hospitals in the USA are legally required to provide free interpreter services. Ask upon arrival: "I need a medical interpreter."
Carry: your passport (or certified copy), visa/ESTA/eTA approval, travel insurance card, match ticket, home country embassy contact, and the emergency number for your host city. Store digital copies in a secure cloud service.
Safe in US and Canadian host cities. Do not drink tap water in Mexico — use sealed bottled water throughout your stay, including for brushing teeth. Most hotels in Mexico provide complimentary bottled water.
Pre-Travel Checklist
Complete every item before departing for World Cup 2026. Share it with your travel group. Click to check off items.