WHO Says Ebola Risk Remains Low for 2026 World Cup Host Nations

No Ebola Cases Reported in North America

The World Health Organization (WHO) says the risk of Ebola spreading to countries hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup remains low despite the growing outbreak in Central Africa.

WHO Europe Regional Director Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge said there are currently no Ebola cases reported in North America or Europe. The tournament is being held across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Outbreak Continues in Central Africa

Health officials in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have confirmed 676 Ebola cases, while neighboring Uganda has reported 19 cases and two deaths. Many of Uganda’s infections have been linked to travel from affected areas.

The WHO emphasized that most cases remain concentrated in remote regions of the DRC, reducing the likelihood of widespread international transmission.

Why Health Officials Say Risk Is Low

According to the WHO, several factors limit the risk of global spread:

• Ebola is not an airborne virus.
• The disease spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of an infected person.
• People become contagious only after symptoms appear.
• Health screening measures are in place for travelers leaving affected regions.

The U.S. has also implemented enhanced public health screenings for certain travelers arriving from the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan.

Travelers Encouraged to Stay Informed

WHO officials are not recommending travel restrictions for World Cup attendees. Kluge said travelers should continue with their plans while staying informed through trusted health sources.

He also urged the public to avoid stigmatizing people from affected regions, noting that Ebola transmission is not linked to nationality or ethnicity.

Health experts continue to monitor the outbreak closely, but current assessments indicate no significant threat to World Cup host countries as the tournament approaches.

For the latest on the ebola outbreak, stay informed with Que Onda Magazine.