WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Even if you’re not a soccer fan, you’re probably aware that the World Cup is underway. Nearby Vancouver, B.C. and Seattle are both hosting tournament matches, along with other cities throughout North America. Worldwide, soccer is the #1 most popular sport – enjoyed by 3.5 billion fans around the globe. (Contrast that to Seattle Seahawks’ and NFL fans, the number 10 most popular sport with a relatively puny 400 million supporters.)

The World Cup–held every four years–includes teams from 48 countries and lasts five weeks.

As long and intense as the tournament is, so was work leading up to the 2026 World Cup. Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management (DEM) staff have been working since January 2025 to help ensure the tournament goes off without a hitch. The goal was to minimize risks, so that international visitors as well as locals could safely experience the tournament, travel, Fan Zones and watch parties.

Here in Whatcom County, mid-way between two host sites, we prepared for increased traffic. With more than 750,000 visitors expected, DEM’s deputy director coordinated cross-border, inter-agency planning to reroute vehicles if the border crossings reached Taylor Swift-level congestion. DEM also worked to secure funds to up-staff traffic enforcement for game days.

DEM’s radio communications manager, along with ACS volunteers, worked on testing and preparing radio systems being used throughout World Cup. That included detecting and disabling radio frequency jammers that could have interfered with emergency response.

Other DEM staff helped write the tournament’s crisis communication plan and developed key messages in myriad languages for international visitors; others served on World Cup committees planning for mass casualty response and recovery, in the event of disaster.

With match play underway both north and south of us and Fan Zone events here in Whatcom County, DEM staff have a lot to track and monitor. But daily World Cup briefings have been mostly good news: record ridership of light rail and mass transit; no serious injuries or emergencies where fans gather to watch and celebrate; and traffic has been moving efficiently between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. Meanwhile outside contender Team USA continues to harbor hopes for the Cup.

Oh, and Lionel Messi broke the World Cup scoring record as Argentina played Austria early in the tournament. No wonder billions of us love watching this sport!

Amy Cloud is the Public Information Officer (PIO) for the Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management.  She was born and raised locally, leaving for Whitman College and work in Seattle, Knoxville and Washington, D.C. She returned to work as Supervising News Producer and reporter for KVOS-TV’s NewsView before switching to communications for WWU, PeaceHealth and the City of Bellingham. She also co-chairs the Community PIO Group and is a member of the Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues.