DALLAS - June 1, 2026 (NEWMEDIAWIRE) - More than 350,000 cardiac arrests happen outside of hospitals in the United States each year, and immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival. In honor of National CPR and AED Week, held annually June 1-7, the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, is bringing its Nation of Lifesavers mobile CPR unit to FIFA Fan Festivals in four host cities beginning next week to help more people learn Hands-Only CPR during one of the world’s largest sporting events.
From June 10 through July 19, the Association will host the Nation of Lifesavers mobile CPR unit at FIFA Fan Festivals in Atlanta, Dallas and Philadelphia. The festivals, part of the global soccer championship run by the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), are expected to draw thousands of visitors from around the world to watch matches, celebrate soccer and experience live entertainment and community activities. The CPR unit will also appear at the New York New Jersey Fan Zone in the Bronx from June 13-14 and at the Central Park Mini Pitch from June 10 through July 19.
The Nation of Lifesavers mobile CPR unit is being organized in close collaboration with FIFA Medical, the medical and health division of FIFA, responsible for protecting and improving the health of soccer players worldwide - from grassroots to elite international tournaments. As part of the Association’s Nation of Lifesavers™ movement, the Association’s presence at the FIFA Fan Festivals will help more people feel confident and prepared to respond in a cardiac emergency. The initiative supports the Association’s goal to double the survival rates of cardiac arrest by 2030 by empowering more people to act in an emergency.
The Association was recently identified by the Annenberg Public Policy Center as the most trusted public health information source after an individual’s personal health care provider - more than 8 in 10 (82%) U.S. adults say they are confident in the American Heart Association to provide trustworthy information related to public health.
"By offering Hands-Only CPR instruction at FIFA Fan Festivals, thousands of people can join the Nation of Lifesavers and help more communities feel prepared to take action when every second counts,” said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. “More than half of people who experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital don’t receive CPR before emergency responders arrive. That’s why we are committed to ensuring more people are trained, confident, and ready to act as a lifesaver in a cardiac emergency."
The American Heart Association is the worldwide leader in resuscitation science, education and training, and publishes the official scientific guidelines for CPR. Hands-Only CPR, also known as compression-only CPR, is effective for teens and adults in the first few minutes of an emergency and is a skill everyone can learn. It is as simple as calling 911 and pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest.
Fans visiting the American Heart Association mobile CPR unit will be able to practice Hands-Only CPR, learn how to recognize cardiac arrest to respond quickly and build confidence to take action in an emergency.
Volunteer opportunities are available in select host cities for people interested in helping teach Hands-Only CPR and engage fans throughout the FIFA Fan Festivals. No prior medical experience is required. Additional details and volunteer sign-up information is available at heart.org/FIFAFanFestival. Volunteers must be 18 and older.
“Soccer has a unique ability to unite communities across cultures and generations,” said Andrew Massey, FIFA Medical Director. “By incorporating Hands-Only CPR training into the FIFA Fan Festival experience, fans can leave with more than memories from the tournament - they can leave with the confidence to help save a life during a cardiac emergency.”
FIFA Medical often uses FIFA Competitions to develop legacy health campaigns, to provide a platform to promote health initiatives that leave a lasting impact beyond the tournament itself, including long-term public health benefits in the host nation.
This marks the American Heart Association’s first appearance at a FIFA event and its 10th appearance at a major national sporting event. The Association has previously brought Hands-Only CPR and AED (automatic external defibrillator) training to fans at some of the country’s largest sporting events and fan experiences. Appearances include Super Bowl LX in San Francisco, Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas, Super Bowl LVII in Phoenix, the 2023 NFL Draft in Kansas City, the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit, the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh and the 2024 NBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis.
With nearly 3 out of 4 cardiac arrests outside the hospital happening at home, knowing CPR can help save the life of someone you love. Learn Hands-Only CPR and join the Nation of Lifesavers at heart.org/nation.
Additional Resources:
- Spanish News Release (Coming Soon)
- Bystander CPR | Bystander CPR Infographic (PDF)
- Hands-Only CPR Resources
- Hands-Only CPR vs CPR with Breaths
- Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack
- Reducing Disparities for Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest – Community Toolkit: English and Spanish versions available
- Take 90 seconds to learn how to save a life at www.heart.org/HandsOnlyCPR.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. The organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
American Heart Association: Hannah Blackwell, hannah.blackwell@heart.org
FIFA: FIFA Communications Division, media@fifa.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
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