The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to welcome millions of fans from around the globe to North America, but organizers are unexpectedly facing a new public health challenge that will affect how close soccer fans can get to the games.
With just 14 days before South Africa and Mexico open the World Cup in Mexico City, officials from the United States, Canada and Mexico have announced new travel rules to stop a growing Ebola outbreak from disrupting the biggest World Cup ever.
The outbreak started in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and has already reached Uganda and South Sudan. FIFA and host nations continue to prepare for a record 48 international soccer teams, 104 matches and up to six million fans across three countries and several time zones. The World Health Organization declared the disease a global issue one week before the decision.
• Mauricio Pochettino’s comments on USMNT future after holding AC Milan talks
• Knicks giving away free tickets to NBA Finals after backlash over prices
A joint statement was released on Thursday ahead of the games in collaboration with the governments of all three nations. “The United States, Mexico, and Canada have announced aligned public health travel measures for individuals coming from African regions at greatest risk from the Ebola virus,” read the message.
“This coordinated approach aims to protect our citizens and the millions of visitors, fans, athletes, and tourists expected during the FIFA World Cup 2026, while maintaining travel and commerce across our borders. The health and safety of every person in the region remains our highest priority as we welcome the world to North America.”
The World Health Organization reports that there are now more than 906 suspected cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda alone and at least 223 suspected deaths across both nations.
World Cup host nations are cracking down on travel restrictions during Ebola outbreaks -Credit:Getty
Health officials are worried because the new outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola. There are no approved vaccines or treatments reported for the rare disease variant that can be transmitted through contact with bodily fluids, including blood, sweat, saliva, and more.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an emergency order temporarily barring noncitizens and legal permanent residents who have visited affected nations in the past 21 days from re-entering the country.
American citizens coming from those regions must enter through Atlanta, Washington Dulles, or Houston airports. They will face mandatory health screenings despite the CDC reporting no cases of confirmed Ebola outbreaks in the US.
The World Health Organization declared the epidemic an international emergency -Credit:Getty
Trump’s administration is also constructing a 50-bed quarantine and treatment facility in Kenya intended to house and treat exposed Americans closer to outbreak zones. The decision not to allow Americans treatment at home has led to scathing criticism online.
Canada has paused visa and immigration decisions for residents of the three affected countries for 90 days. Canadian citizens and exempt travelers must self-isolate for 21 days after visiting those regions.
Mexico has implemented stricter airport screenings and asked travelers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to quarantine for 21 days voluntarily. FIFA projects approximately $10.9 billion in revenue based on past annual report forecasts.
