US Prepares for Ebola and Disease Risks at 2026 World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, is prompting extensive preparations by health authorities across the region.

While organizers highlighted the region's favorable epidemiological situation during the 2018 bid, attention has since shifted to the potential spread of infectious diseases at one of the largest global events since the Covid-19 pandemic, Politico reports.

The most pressing concern is the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, whose national team will play matches in Atlanta, Guadalajara and Houston. Authorities are also monitoring other risks, including hantavirus and measles.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is coordinating preparations with host cities, holding regular consultations and providing guidance to local authorities. Medical and emergency responders are running simulations covering scenarios such as Ebola outbreaks, widespread power failures, extreme heat and biological attacks.

Los Angeles, which will host eight matches at SoFi Stadium, is installing wastewater monitoring systems on site. Analysis of samples will allow the presence of viruses and pathogens to be detected before a major outbreak occurs.

Food safety will also be closely monitored. Nearly half of Los Angeles County's health workers will be deployed to supervise food vendors around stadiums and fan zones during the tournament.

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