The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has selected HSS as a FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence since 2014. With this selection, FIFA recognizes HSS as one of the premier institutions that has demonstrated a high level of expertise in soccer across medicine, education, and research. This includes the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of injuries that may arise in the game of soccer. HSS is currently one of only three hospitals in the United States to receive this distinction.
In the lead-up to the FIFA World Cup 26™ in the USA, which includes eight matches in New York New Jersey, including the final, HSS sports medicine surgeon Dr. Riley Williams has been named and will serve as the FIFA Venue Medical Officer (VMO), New York New Jersey during the FIFA World Cup 26™. As the VMO for the New York New Jersey host city area, Dr. Williams will be the liaison between FIFA and all local medical service providers, coordinating with them to deliver medical care to the athletes 24-hours a day.