Health officials prepare for disease risks at the 2026 World Cup

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins, public health officials in the United States, Canada and Mexico are preparing for infectious disease risks across the tournament’s 16 host cities. The event, which starts June 11, will bring millions of fans and 48 teams to venues spread over three countries. Experts quoted in the report said Ebola is a concern because of the outbreak in Congo and Uganda, but they described the risk of widespread transmission during the World Cup as low. Because Ebola spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids rather than through the air, officials say more contagious illnesses are more likely to create problems at large gatherings. Measles is the biggest concern for many health departments, along with Covid19, influenza, dengue and other illnesses that can spread more easily in crowded, international settings. Officials are also watching for foodborne and heatrelated illnesses, and many host cities are expanding wastewater monitoring, mosquito surveillance and rapid testing capacity. Local and federal agencies say they have added screening, monitoring and response plans for travelers and visitors, even as public health systems face staffing and funding pressures. The CDC, hostcity health departments and FIFA say they are coordinating to keep the tournament safe.