The risk of Ebola affecting fans at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is very low despite an active outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), health officials said [1, 2]. The tournament, running from June 11 to July 19, 2026, will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, featuring 48 teams [1, 2].
The Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo has about 600 suspected cases and has caused over 130 deaths, leading the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare it a public health emergency of international concern on May 22, 2026 [1, 2]. As a result, the DR Congo national football team canceled its pre-tournament events in Kinshasa and moved its preparations to Belgium [1, 2]. The squad is scheduled to arrive in the United States on June 10 or 11 and will be based in Houston [1, 2].
U.S. authorities have barred entry to travelers who have been in DR Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan within the previous 21 days. This restriction means Congo-based staff must leave early to comply with the travel rules [1, 2]. Enhanced screening is also in place at Washington Dulles airport for travelers recently in affected countries, which is causing longer airport queues and increasing logistical costs [1, 2].
Dr. Oliver Johnson said the risk to casual visitors is very low because Ebola is not airborne and requires direct contact with a sick person for transmission. He added, "Ebola has never really caused transmission in high-income country settings, where there have been very occasional cases... If a case does occur, it is identified quickly" [1]. Johnson noted that though screening will add stress and cost, the hope is the outbreak will not spread beyond DR Congo, which could otherwise prompt last-minute travel bans or more screening [1].
Fans are advised to follow basic precautions such as good hand hygiene and avoiding close contact if unwell. Johnson also urged supporters to respect others and avoid stigma to help maintain the inclusive spirit of the World Cup [1].
The World Cup kicks off on June 11, with the DR Congo team expected to arrive shortly before the opening matches.