FIFA World Cup: Biggest Health Risks for Fans and How to Avoid Them

Experts say the World Cup may put pressure on the standard health protection guidelines. Image credit: Photo by wakila/Getty Images Public health experts are concerned that the 2026 FIFA World Cup may test the public health playbook. While Ebola and measles may not pose a high risk for these games, the spread of other respiratory illnesses is possible, as are heat-related illnesses. The CDC and other government agencies are putting plans in place to help protect people from health concerns. There are steps you can take to protect yourself from infectious diseases and other health issues while attending World Cup games this summer. The FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11 and is expected to draw millions of spectators to North America. The international tournament is hosted by 16 cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico and runs through July 19. Fans can expect 104 games from 48 teams, with the opening match featuring Mexico vs. South Africa in Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. There is generally a well-established “playbook” for protecting the public’s health during mass events like this. However, there are also broader circumstances this year that experts believe could put that playbook to the test. With any mass gathering, there’s always a risk of common respiratory illnesses spreading among crowds. However, all three countries hosting the World Cup this year have also seen a recent resurgence in measles, which is highly contagious and can be deadly among unvaccinated individuals. Still, the risk of measles transmission at the games is low. Despite concerns over Ebola and hantavirus, experts say it’s unlikely these rare diseases would circulate during the World Cup. In past tournaments, heat-related illnesses posed the greatest threat during matches, which typically take place outdoors in the summer months. Of course, there’s also the risk of mosquito bites, which is more of a nuisance than anything else. “The most common issue was heat-rel