IMSS activates World Cup command center for health and risk management

The Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) has launched a Central Command to oversee health services and risk management for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The initiative prioritizes efficient resource allocation and timely medical care for the influx of international visitors.

Director General Zoé Robledo Aburto emphasized the World Health Organization's call for public health institutions to prepare for large-scale international events. The IMSS's preparation focuses on risk management and readiness for potential increases in demand for medical services, particularly in emergency rooms.

Janett Alvarado González, IMSS's Coordinator of Special Health Projects, detailed the operational plan. This includes a triage system to assess risks at each match, daily monitoring of adverse events, and an operational alert system with four levels, ranging from normal operations to a red alert for mass casualty incidents. The Virtual Center for Operations in Emergencies and Disasters will monitor all strategic medical units nationwide, with a focus on the three World Cup host cities.