Measles, Ebola outbreaks raise concerns ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup
Hong Myung-bo, head coach of the Korean national men's football team, speaks during a press conference in Seoul, May 16. Yonhap
Local authorities advise World Cup travelers to get necessary vaccinations before departure
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With the 2026 FIFA World Cup less than three weeks away, concerns are mounting over infectious disease outbreaks affecting host countries and other parts of the world.
The tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, marks the first time three countries will co-host a World Cup. Experts say factors such as long travel distances, time zone differences and disparate regional climates could become major variables during the event.
Above all, health concerns for spectators are drawing attention. With the tournament expanded to 48 participating nations and a larger number of matches, total attendance is expected to exceed 5 million people. At the same time, outbreaks of infectious diseases are continuing across the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
The FIFA logo is displayed on a World Cup countdown timer outside BC Place in Vancouver, Canada, May 4. AP-Yonhap
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), measles outbreaks in the host countries have reached concerning levels.
In Mexico, the measles infection rate jumped to 7.57 cases per 100,000 people, up from 4.94 last year. In the United States, 1,792 measles cases have been reported so far this year. Considering that 2,288 cases were recorded during all of last year, the pace of infections has accelerated significantly.
Canada is facing a similar situation. The country lost its measles elimination status last year, which it had maintained since 1998. After imported cases entered the country in 2024, more than 5,000 infections were confirmed in just over a year. This year alone, more than 900 cases have been reported across seven regions nationwide.
A drone view of Banorte Stadium, temporarily renamed Mexico City Stadium (Estadio Ciudad de Mexico), taken May 15, as renovation work continues ahead of the World Cup, which begins June 11 in Mexico City. Reuters-Yonhap
Mexico, where Korea is scheduled to play its second group stage match, is also considered endemic for hepatitis A.
Disease concerns are not limited to the host countries.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda are currently experiencing major Ebola outbreaks.
With millions of tourists expected to travel internationally during the World Cup period, global health authorities are on high alert.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) on May 17, the two African nations have reported more than 300 suspected Ebola-related cases. At least 88 deaths have also been recorded, while WHO and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention believe the true scale of infections could grow much larger.
WHO announced the same day that Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda had already shown signs of international spread, prompting the organization to declare a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
A PHEIC declaration requires countries to coordinate rapid international responses, including diagnostic testing, patient isolation and the sharing of medical resources.
WHO explained that the current outbreak is linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments. However, the organization noted that the situation does not yet meet the criteria for a global pandemic similar to COVID-19.
The KDCA has advised that people traveling abroad to watch the World Cup should receive vaccinations for diseases such as measles and hepatitis A before departure. The agency also emphasized the importance of frequent handwashing, eating thoroughly cooked food and drinking only safe water such as bottled or boiled water while abroad.
An aerial view of the FIFA World Cup 2026 base camp for the United States at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine, Calif., April 20 / Reuters-Yonhap
Authorities further warned that anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, rash, muscle pain or diarrhea after returning home should minimize contact with others and immediately seek medical attention while informing health care providers about their recent travel history.
The KDCA said it will operate a special World Cup infectious disease response team through the end of the tournament to continuously monitor global disease outbreaks.
This article from Kormedi.com, Korea’s top health care and medical portal, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.