SOCCER: Ebola risk minimal for World Cup fans, logistics challenges remain

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — The risk of Ebola affecting fans at the 2026 World Cup is low, according to Dr. Oliver Johnson, a global health expert at King’s College London. However, enhanced screening and travel restrictions could complicate logistics for teams and supporters.

The expanded 48-team tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will run from June 11 to July 19.

An Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has reported around 600 suspected cases and more than 130 deaths, prompting the World Health Organization to declare a public health emergency of international concern.

The outbreak has already disrupted DR Congo’s World Cup preparations. The team canceled pre-tournament events in Kinshasa and moved training plans to Belgium. U.S. authorities have barred entry to non-U.S. passport holders who have been in DR Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan in the past 21 days, forcing some Congo-based staff to leave early. The squad is set to arrive in the U.S. on June 10 or 11 and will be based in Houston.

“If you are a casual visitor to the World Cup from around the world, I think there is a very low risk that you would be at risk of Ebola,” Johnson told Reuters. “Ebola has never really caused transmission in high-income country settings, where there have been very occasional cases. That is because it is not airborne. You normally have to have direct contact with someone who is quite sick, and there is usually good contact tracing. If a case does occur, it is identified quickly.”

Johnson added that the outbreak could still have broader implications. U.S. authorities have introduced enhanced screening for travelers arriving at Washington Dulles who have recently been in affected countries. Health agencies are also working with FIFA and local officials to manage potential risks.

“It will affect things like airport queues and screening, which will slow things down,” Johnson said. “It is going to add a little extra stress and cost to the U.S. to try and organize. The other possibility is that if the outbreak spreads beyond DR Congo, it could trigger last-minute travel bans or additional screening.”

Fans are advised to follow basic precautions such as practicing good hand hygiene and avoiding close contact if feeling unwell. Johnson also urged supporters to respect others and avoid stigma, helping preserve the inclusive spirit of the World Cup.

DR Congo will open their campaign against Portugal in Houston, before facing Colombia in Guadalajara and Uzbekistan in Atlanta.

-Reporting by Iain Axon; Writing by Pearl Josephine Nazare in Bengaluru; Reuters