American Heart Association to Offer Hands-Only CPR Training at FIFA Fan Festivals in Four U.S. Host Cities

The American Heart Association (AHA) will deploy its Nation of Lifesavers mobile CPR unit at FIFA Fan Festivals in four U.S. host cities from June 10 through July 19, offering free Hands-Only CPR training to thousands of soccer fans. The initiative, launched during National CPR and AED Week (June 1-7), aims to address the more than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests that occur annually in the United States, where immediate CPR can double or triple survival chances.

The mobile unit will be stationed at FIFA Fan Festivals in Atlanta, Dallas, and Philadelphia from June 10 to July 19, and at the New York New Jersey Fan Zone in the Bronx on June 13-14, as well as the Central Park Mini Pitch through July 19. These events, part of the global soccer championship organized by FIFA, are expected to draw large international crowds. The AHA’s presence marks its first collaboration with FIFA and its 10th appearance at a major national sporting event, following previous trainings at Super Bowls, NFL Drafts, and the NBA All-Star Game.

“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, CEO 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.”

Hands-Only CPR, which involves calling 911 and pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest without mouth-to-mouth breaths, is effective for teens and adults in the first few minutes of a cardiac emergency. The AHA, recognized as the most trusted public health information source after personal healthcare providers by the Annenberg Public Policy Center, publishes the official scientific guidelines for CPR. The initiative supports the AHA’s goal to double cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030.

FIFA Medical, the health division of FIFA, is collaborating closely with the AHA on the mobile unit. “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.”

Volunteer opportunities are available for individuals aged 18 and older in select host cities, with no prior medical experience required. Details can be found at heart.org/FIFAFanFestival. The AHA also encourages fans to learn Hands-Only CPR online at www.heart.org/HandsOnlyCPR and join the Nation of Lifesavers at heart.org/nation.

With nearly 3 out of 4 cardiac arrests occurring at home, knowing CPR can help save a loved one. The AHA’s presence at FIFA Fan Festivals aims to empower fans to act confidently in emergencies, leaving a lasting public health legacy beyond the tournament.