The American Heart Association, in collaboration with FIFA, has brought Hands-Only CPR training to fan events during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, achieving over 800,000 training chest compressions from more than 8,000 participants across four U.S. host cities: Dallas, Atlanta, Philadelphia, and New York. This marks one of the largest public CPR education efforts in the organization's history.
With more than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occurring annually in the United States, immediate CPR can double or triple survival chances. However, many bystanders hesitate due to lack of training. The American Heart Association's Mobile CPR Unit provides hands-on training, teaching attendees to recognize cardiac arrest and respond with two simple steps: call 911 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest.
This initiative is part of the Heart Association's Nation of Lifesavers™ movement, which aims to double cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030. "More than 800,000 CPR training compressions practiced by fans are proof of how quickly people can build the confidence to act when every second counts," said Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association. "Still, more than half of people who have a cardiac arrest outside a hospital do not receive CPR before professional help arrives. By bringing Hands-Only CPR training to FIFA Fan events, we’re helping more people feel ready to act - and the life they save is likely to be someone they love."
Andrew Massey, FIFA Medical Director, emphasized the global reach of football in promoting lifesaving initiatives. "Through FIFA Fan Experiences, we can reach thousands of people and extend these critical skills far beyond the pitch." The American Heart Association is the worldwide leader in resuscitation science and publishes the official scientific guidelines for CPR. Hands-Only CPR is effective for teens and adults in the first few minutes after collapse and is a skill everyone can learn. Since nearly 3 out of 4 cardiac arrests occur at home, knowing CPR can help save a loved one.
The Heart Association will continue its presence at FIFA Fan experiences in the coming weeks, aiming to reach thousands more with the confidence to act during critical moments. For more information on Hands-Only CPR, visit heart.org/HandsOnlyCPR.
