A conference on the front lines of athlete care
Los Angeles became the epicenter of a multidisciplinary summit where sports medicine specialists, orthopedic surgeons and emergency planners gathered to map out the medical strategy for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. The event underscored how teamwork among physicians, athletic trainers and other professionals can safeguard players across the tournament.
Cedars‑Sinai orthopedic specialist Joshua Scott detailed the extensive preparations under way at SoFi Stadium, highlighting emergency response protocols, heat‑related illness management and the logistical challenges of delivering rapid care in a massive venue. He emphasized that automated external defibrillators and community CPR training are now considered essential components of any major soccer event.
Innovative approaches to injury prevention
The FIFA 11+ warm‑up program was presented as a proven strategy for reducing musculoskeletal injuries, while experts stressed the importance of preserving meniscal tissue and addressing cartilage damage before they become career‑ending issues. Preserving the meniscus emerged as a central theme, given its critical role in knee stability for soccer athletes.
A dedicated session on women’s health challenged the historic reliance on data derived from male athletes, urging clinicians to tailor prevention and rehabilitation protocols to the physiological differences of female players. This shift reflects a broader commitment to evidence‑based, gender‑specific care.
The conversation also turned to the socioeconomic dimension of the sport, as name, image and likeness (NIL) opportunities reshape youth soccer. Participants noted that new compensation models are driving heightened competition and earlier specialization, factors that could influence injury risk and long‑term athlete development.
Additional insights were contributed by researchers from Cedars‑Sinai, Select Medical, Duke University, Hospital for Special Surgery and the University of Colorado School of Medicine, each offering perspectives on everything from concussion management to the evolving landscape of sports science.