Days from the first World Cup match at MetLife Stadium — temporarily renamed New York New Jersey Stadium — New Jersey is making final preparations for an expected 1 million tourists to the region.
To help international visitors navigate the U.S. medical system, the state Department of Health designed the World Cup 2026 Health Hub.
“This is an excellent opportunity for us to help all of our visitors who are coming not just from across the country, but from across the world, navigate health care and health care resources here in New Jersey,” said Health Commissioner Raynard E. Washington. Eight matches will take place from Saturday through July 19.
Health officials are on the lookout for signs of infectious diseases such as avian influenza, measles and ebola, which the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is tracking in foreign countries. The New Jersey online health hub includes guidance for medical professionals to track respiratory- and heat-related ills and report suspected disease.
“We are watching very closely,” said Washington, noting that the department has been preparing for more than a year. “We have stepped up our surveillance activities across the state to ensure that we are prepared.”
Delaney Hall
Last month, the Department of Health was denied full access to Delaney Hall in Newark for an inspection. State Attorney General Jen Davenport filed a lawsuit against Geo Group, the private owner and operator of the detention center, requesting that the court grant the department full freedom.
Delaney Hall is drawing international attention amid alleged inhumane conditions reported by people who are being detained. Dozens of demonstrators, both for and against President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement, have been arrested outside Delaney in recent weeks.
A kitchen inspection report released this week cited potential contamination and unsafe food temperatures, and those issues were corrected. The department deemed food service conditions satisfactory. It noted, though, that inspectors were blocked from visiting sleeping, medical and other areas.
“We are looking forward to being able to continue to follow up on any complaints we have received,” Washington said of Delaney Hall, “and do a more comprehensive inspection at a later date.”
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