Despite claims of robust preparedness from US infectious disease experts, the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has sparked worries about potential health risks during the 2026 World Cup. The outbreak in the DRC has seen more than 675 individuals infected and over 135 fatalities, creating a backdrop of heightened vigilance for the major international tournament.
The current level of readiness in the United States marks a significant improvement compared to a decade ago. A pivotal incident during the 2014 West African Ebola outbreak, where a Liberian man was initially turned away from a Dallas hospital before two nurses contracted the virus, prompted a substantial investment of approximately £207 million ($260 million) into US Ebola preparedness. This funding has been directed towards extensive training, enhancing response capabilities, and establishing 13 specialised treatment centres designed to efficiently identify, isolate, and safely care for suspected Ebola patients.
Dr. Gavin Harris, an expert in serious communicable diseases at Emory University, located in Atlanta, one of the 11 US World Cup host cities, acknowledged the inherent challenge, stating, "We're not going to be able to prevent 100% of infections, but we certainly are the most prepared that we have ever been." With an estimated 6.5 million fans expected to travel across North America for the 39-day tournament, featuring 104 matches across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, public health officials and hospitals in host cities have been diligently preparing for a wide array of infectious disease threats.
While organisations such as the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Pan American Health Organization, and the World Health Organization all classify the risk of Ebola to World Cup host countries as low, they identify measles, COVID-19, and influenza as more probable threats in large crowd gatherings. Dr. Tom Frieden, chief executive of Resolve to Save Lives and former director of the CDC, reiterated, "The risk of Ebola to anyone at the World Cup is extremely low. Ebola isn't airborne and doesn't spread through casual contact — it requires direct contact with the body fluids of someone who is ill." However, he cautioned, "But low isn't zero, and it won't be zero until the outbreak is stopped at its source in DRC."
To further mitigate potential risks, the United States, Mexico, and Canada have implemented airport screening measures and travel bans, restricting entry for non-citizens who have recently travelled to countries affected by the outbreak. The US has also urged European nations to adopt similar restrictions. Dr. Harris believes these bans are likely to reduce the chances of Ebola reaching World Cup venues. Notably, the DRC national football team travelled to Belgium for training in May before proceeding to the United States, adhering to US travel restrictions.
In each host city, medical committees have been established through collaboration between FIFA, local public health officials, and hospital systems. These committees are crucial for coordinating responses and ensuring that comprehensive health protocols are in place to safeguard the health of attendees and local populations throughout the tournament.