The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to take place in the United States, but health experts are warning of potential risks to attendees, including heat-related illnesses, infectious diseases, and food safety concerns.
According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), any event that brings together a large number of people, such as the FIFA World Cup, poses a risk of various health outbreaks. CDC acting director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, stated, 'Any time so many people are traveling, there's always the possibility of various outbreaks or whatnot to happen.'
The UK's Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports that the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia saw a significant increase in heat-related illnesses among attendees. With the 2026 tournament expected to take place in warmer climates, similar health risks are anticipated.
Additionally, the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that foodborne illnesses affect around 600 million people worldwide each year. With the FIFA World Cup expected to attract millions of fans from across the globe, food safety concerns are also a significant concern.
Experts warn that the UK's tourism industry and consumers may be impacted by the potential health risks associated with the FIFA World Cup. The UK's ICO (Information Commissioner's Office) has issued guidelines on data protection and health-related data, but the EU's AI Act, set to come into force in 2027, may also have implications for how health data is collected and shared.
Dr. James Gallagher, a leading expert in health economics, commented, 'The potential health risks associated with the FIFA World Cup are a significant concern for the UK's tourism industry and consumers. It's essential that attendees take necessary precautions to protect their health and wellbeing.'