With less than a week until the 2026 FIFA World Cup arrives in Los Angeles, public safety officials across the South Bay are already preparing for one of the largest sporting events in the world.

Safety operations for the tournament will involve a coordinated effort among law enforcement agencies, emergency managers, transportation officials, and public safety partners across SoFi Stadium, designated fan zones, and neighboring communities. Fewer than 10 miles from the stadium, Manhattan Beach is expected to welcome an influx of domestic and international visitors, making preparation and public awareness key components of local planning.

To better understand how residents can prepare, Manhattan Beach News spoke with Soraya Sutherlin, CEO of Emergency Management Safety Partners and manager of Alert South Bay, the region's emergency notification system.

World Cup Safety Planning

As Los Angeles prepares to host hundreds of thousands of soccer fans from around the globe, emergency managers throughout the region are planning for a wide range of scenarios, from transportation disruptions and severe weather to medical emergencies and public safety incidents.

Alert South Bay, which supports emergency communications across the South Bay, is helping coordinate public information efforts leading up to the tournament. According to Sutherlin, successful planning requires considering every possible risk profile and ensuring residents and visitors know where to turn for accurate information.

"When we talk about really good preventive messaging, it comes down to public safety messaging—how to be prepared, what you need to know, where to get resources if you need help, and how to get help," Sutherlin said.

With large crowds expected throughout the region, Alert South Bay is emphasizing education and preparedness as critical tools for keeping communities safe during the event.

Emergency Notifications

Alert South Bay serves 15 South Bay cities and provides residents with emergency notifications specific to their communities. Registration is simple: residents can text their ZIP code to 888-777 to enroll.

In the event of a significant emergency, officials may also issue a Wireless Emergency Alert, the same type of notification system used for Amber Alerts. These alerts are reserved for imminent threats to life, property, or the environment and are automatically delivered to cell phones in affected areas regardless of whether users have signed up for local notifications.

To support World Cup operations, Alert South Bay has launched a dedicated notification channel focused on tournament-related public safety information. Residents and visitors can opt in by texting "FIFALA2026" to 888-777.

The service will distribute public service announcements, "know before you go" guidance, preparedness information, and other important updates before and during the tournament.

For international visitors who may not have local cellular service, Sutherlin recommends downloading the Everbridge app, which allows users to receive alerts and notifications in their preferred language.

Emergency Alert Test Scheduled for June 10

As part of preparations for the World Cup, Alert South Bay will conduct a regional Wireless Emergency Alert test on June 10 at 1 p.m. The test will be sent throughout the South Bay and will help emergency managers evaluate enhanced geotargeting capabilities as well as alert delivery to international mobile devices. Officials emphasize that the test is part of ongoing efforts to ensure emergency communication systems function effectively before the tournament begins.

Advice for Manhattan Beach Residents

For Manhattan Beach residents, Sutherlin's advice is straightforward: stay aware of your surroundings and report anything that appears unusual. "See something, say something," she said. "Don't be afraid to speak up if something doesn't look or feel right."

She also encourages residents to familiarize themselves with local reporting resources before an emergency occurs. For life-threatening emergencies, crimes in progress, or medical emergencies, residents should call 9-1-1 immediately.

Additional local contacts include:

• Police Non-Emergency Dispatch: (310) 545-4566

• Police Department Main Line: (310) 802-5140

• Parking and Animal Control Dispatch: (310) 802-5159

• Anonymous Crime Tips: (310) 802-5171

Beyond physical safety, Sutherlin stressed the importance of information safety during a major international event, particularly as rumors and misinformation can spread quickly online.

"Always do a quick check and ask, 'Is this a verified source?'" Sutherlin said. "If it's not and you're sharing it, that's how misinformation and disinformation spread."

Measuring Success

For emergency managers, the most successful World Cup may be the one that largely goes unnoticed by the public. "Success is when things go the way we want them to go, and when they don't, we're able to very quickly maneuver and address them," Sutherlin said.

She expressed confidence in the network of emergency managers, first responders, and public safety professionals working across the region to prepare for the tournament.

"The people working on FIFA-related activities and in the adjacent cities are one of the most professional and motivated groups of individuals I've ever worked with," Sutherlin said. "I feel very confident not just working here, but living here, knowing these are the people working every day to keep us safe."

Learn More

Residents can sign up for local emergency notifications by texting their ZIP code to 888-777. Those interested in receiving World Cup-specific public safety updates can text "FIFALA2026" to 888-777.

Additional information, registration instructions, and preparedness resources are available through Alert South Bay's website and social media channels. Residents should also be aware of the June 10 Wireless Emergency Alert test, which will be sent to phones throughout the South Bay at 1 p.m. as officials continue evaluating emergency communication systems ahead of the tournament.