As millions of football fans worldwide get ready for the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer, government authorities and public health professionals are keeping a close eye on potential health hazards associated with the event.

Experts have expressed worries about the possible spread of infectious diseases in crowded stadiums, the dangers posed by extreme heat during matches, and the difficulties of maintaining food safety standards for the huge number of visitors expected.

“Any time such a large number of people travel, there’s always a chance of outbreaks or similar situations,” said Jay Bhattacharya, acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), earlier this month. “However, the risk isn’t any greater than in previous World Cups that were well managed. The United States has proper systems in place to respond effectively if anything occurs.”

Set to run from June 11 to July 19, the tournament will be held across 16 host cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. A total of 48 teams will compete in a record-breaking 104 matches. FIFA has reported that five million tickets have already been sold.

Here’s an in-depth look at the health concerns linked to the World Cup and the protective steps spectators can take:

Public health experts have voiced concerns about infectious diseases, high temperatures, and food safety at this summer’s FIFA World Cup.

The close contact among thousands of international fans during matches could heighten the risk of disease transmission.

“Medical teams near World Cup venues have been preparing for such possibilities,” said Andy Pekosz, professor of molecular microbiology and immunology at Johns Hopkins University. He noted that some infections are currently active in other parts of the world.

“Influenza is a good example,” Pekosz explained. “It’s circulating in parts of the Southern Hemisphere, such as South America, meaning infected individuals could travel to the U.S., Canada, or Mexico and potentially spread the virus. However, the conditions in these countries aren’t ideal for influenza transmission, so a large outbreak is unlikely.”

He added that measles, however, is a bigger concern due to its ease of transmission and long incubation period.

According to the CDC, nearly 2,000 measles cases had been reported in the U.S. as of May 21. Since January 2025, a total of 3,564 cases have been logged — the largest outbreak in decades, as noted by Harvard University research, which also pointed out declining childhood vaccination rates in recent years.

Meanwhile, the CDC has maintained that the risk of hantavirus infection remains “extremely low.”

A recent outbreak of this rare disease was traced to a Dutch cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean, where three fatalities occurred and about a dozen cases were either confirmed or suspected. This week, 18 American passengers who were aboard the ship returned to the U.S. and are under quarantine at medical facilities in Nebraska.

The CDC stated that the strain involved can spread between people but only through close contact with symptomatic individuals.

Additionally, the agency has tightened travel screenings and entry restrictions to prevent Ebola — which has been spreading rapidly in the Congo — from entering the United States. Officials said, however, that the risk of a widespread outbreak in the U.S. remains minimal.

Another major health challenge under observation is extreme heat, as the World Cup will take place during the summer in several cities known for warmer climates.

According to the National Weather Service, average high temperatures in June hover in the mid-80s Fahrenheit for Houston and Miami, while Monterrey, Mexico, tends to see mid-90s Fahrenheit, according to Weather Spark data.

“Temperature levels will likely be high enough to increase health risks for many attendees,” said Christopher Uejio, a professor at Florida State University who studies environmental health. “Although some venues will have climate-controlled environments, fans may still face heat exposure while waiting in queues outside. In open-air settings, hot, humid, and sunny conditions could heighten risks, especially for people with health conditions, those consuming alcohol, or visitors unaccustomed to the local heat.”

Uejio advised fans to take precautions such as keeping hydrated, limiting alcohol use, applying sunscreen, and finding shaded or air-conditioned areas if they experience cramps, nausea, dizziness, or excessive sweating.

Food safety has also become a focal point for authorities, particularly in several U.S. host cities.

In Georgia, food inspectors have been deployed to restaurants, food trucks, and temporary stalls to ensure compliance with health standards.

“We inspect to make sure there’s an appropriate barrier around the food service area,” said Brandon Leftwich, director of environmental health for Fulton County. He added that strict temperature controls are being enforced to reduce bacterial contamination.

“This is the biggest event Atlanta has hosted since the 1996 Olympics,” Leftwich added. “We’ve been preparing for this for quite a while.”

Food inspections have also intensified in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas — another host city — according to local reports.

The World Health Organization lists 250 known foodborne illnesses. Among these, the CDC highlights salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter, Norovirus, Shigella, and Hepatitis A as the most common causes of outbreaks.

The CDC warns that riskier foods include raw or undercooked meat, unwashed produce, cut melons, and raw dough.