on PinterestThe FIFA World Cup is expected to draw millions of fans to cities across North America, potentially increasing the risk of respiratory illnesses.
on PinterestThe FIFA World Cup is expected to draw millions of fans to cities across North America, potentially increasing the risk of respiratory illnesses. Image credit: Photo by wakila/GettyImages
- 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 mass gathering, there’s always a risk of common respiratory illnesses spreading among crowds. Of course, mosquito bites are likely as well. While mosquitoes are mostly a nuisance, some may transmit infectious diseases.
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.
Risk of measles, Ebola remains low
Concerns are mounting globally over the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has described the outbreak as a “public health emergency of international concern.”
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.
“Remember, Ebola does not spread readily, in contrast to influenza and COVID.”
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
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