Beyond the Goals: Disease Risks at World Cup 2026

The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is anticipated to draw millions of fans, creating an environment where infectious diseases could potentially spread. Public health officials are closely monitoring various health threats, ranging from unlikely scenarios like Ebola to more probable ones like measles, flu, and COVID-19.

Respiratory infections such as measles, which is currently surging, along with the ongoing flu season and COVID-19, are considered the most significant concerns due to transmission in crowded stadiums, airports, and public spaces. Mosquito-borne diseases like Dengue and Oropouche virus, particularly in southern host cities, also present a risk, as does the potential for travelers to introduce diseases like Yellow Fever.

Furthermore, sexually transmitted infections, including Mpox and syphilis, are an under-recognized risk due to unprotected casual encounters among travelers. Public health authorities in all three host nations are enhancing disease monitoring and implementing safety protocols. Fans are advised to ensure vaccinations are up-to-date, practice safe sex, use insect repellent, and stay home if feeling unwell.