- Public health experts are concerned that the 2026 FIFA World Cup may test the public health playbook.
- The risk of other respiratory illnesses spreading during the games is possible, as is heat-related illness.
- Ebola and measles are unlikely to spread amongst World Cup spectators despite current outbreaks.
- The CDC and other federal agencies are putting plans in place to help protect public health during the tournament.
- There are steps you can take to stay healthy while attending World Cup games this summer.
The FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11 and is expected to draw millions of spectators to North America.
The international tournament is hosted by 16 cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico and runs through July 19. Fans can expect 104 games from 48 teams, with the opening match featuring Mexico vs. South Africa in Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
There is generally a well-established “playbook” for protecting public health during mass events like the World Cup. However, there are broader circumstances at this year’s tournament that experts say could put that playbook to the test.
The three countries hosting the World Cup have seen recent resurgences in measles, which is highly contagious and can be deadly among unvaccinated individuals. Still, the risk of measles transmission at the World Cup is low.
Despite concerns over Ebola and hantavirus, experts say it’s unlikely these rare diseases would circulate during the games.
But as with any
In past tournaments, experts say heat-related illnesses posed the greatest threat during matches, which typically take place outdoors in the summer months.
“The most common issue was heat-related illness, with falls, diabetes, seizures, and chest pain also noteworthy,” said William Schaffner, MD, professor of medicine, health policy, and infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University.
“A fundamental concept is preparation — planning by all the relevant agencies. We have done this well before and ought to be able to manage the World Cup events also,” he told Healthline.
Concerns are mounting globally over the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
The
However, the risk of Ebola spreading at the World Cup remains low.
“The risk of importing Ebola is very low. If such should occur, with heightened awareness, the patient should be diagnosed promptly and can be cared for safely by U.S. hospitals and personnel using rigorous infection control procedures,” said Schaffner.
Another potential concern is measles amid recent surges across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
However, experts say the risk of contracting measles during the games is also low.
“It is possible that there could be importations of measles or other vaccine-preventable illnesses,” Schaffner said.
“Given the less-than-optimal vaccination rates in the U.S., there could be limited spread to unvaccinated persons. This would be detected quickly and would evoke a public health response. Again, the risk of this happening is low.”
In various areas of the United States, including Massachusetts and Texas, health officials are using sewage or wastewater testing to help detect any outbreaks of infectious diseases during the World Cup. There is also a public health team based in Washington, D.C., that is monitoring wastewater to detect and track outbreaks that may occur in any of the hosting cities in both the U.S. and Canada.
During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, similar surveillance was used to help monitor the spread of disease. A 2024 study found that this played a pivotal role in detecting infections and tracking transmission within the population, regardless of any clinical symptoms.
Public health officials for this year’s World Cup are also utilizing internet chatter and social media to monitor potential outbreaks.
The hope is that detecting and tracking infectious diseases as quickly as possible will help minimize their spread.
Federal health agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are working hard to plan for and mitigate potential health risks during the World Cup.
“CDC is actively engaged in World Cup preparedness as part of the federal coordination structure led by the White House FIFA World Cup 2026 Task Force,” a CDC spokesperson told Healthline. “As part of HHS, CDC is regularly engaging with public health departments in host cities, other federal agencies, and partner organizations.”
The CDC is also using its
“At U.S. ports of entry,
The CDC has also developed a dedicated World Cup data dashboard (currently in final development) to provide state and local health departments with enhanced visibility into disease trends within and beyond their jurisdictions.
You can also visit the CDC
Healthline contacted WHO for more information on how it is preparing for the World Cup. However, we have not received a response. The
To protect your health before and after the World Cup games, you can follow these tips:
- Stay informed: Check travel advisories and protocols at the stadiums.
- Prepare for risks: Be sure your vaccinations are up to date and speak with a healthcare professional about any concerns you may have.
- Practice safe, healthy hygiene habits: Wash your hands frequently, take any necessary medications, avoid touching your face, and ensure the food and water you consume are safe.
- Monitor yourself and your loved ones for symptoms: After the games, be sure to watch for signs of illness, such as fever, cough, diarrhea, or changes in mood. If you experience any symptoms, contact a healthcare professional.
“Enjoy the World Cup games,” Schaffner said. “If you are in a high risk group (age 65 and older, anyone with a chronic medical condition, and those who are immunocompromised or pregnant), consider wearing a well-fitted mask if you attend crowded events. Of course, if you develop symptoms, seek medical care promptly.”