Health Officials Gear Up for Infectious-Disease Watch at World Cup 2026

As the World Cup 2026 spans 16 cities across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, public health officials are preparing for a range of infectious-disease threats. Ebola risk is considered low, but highly contagious measles and other respiratory infections, along with arboviruses and heat- or food-related illnesses, pose bigger challenges given international travel. Authorities are expanding surveillance, entry screening, wastewater monitoring, and mobile testing capabilities, while noting funding cuts and staffing gaps in public health. The CDC and local health departments are coordinating to monitor travelers, identify cases quickly, and deploy resources if needed, aiming to keep fans safe without dampening the event.