2026 World Cup, measles alert: surge in cases, “risk of an outbreak”
The Pan American Health Organization has issued a measles alert ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is set to take place in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. According to the organization, “the increase in measles transmission combined with heavy international travel creates ideal conditions for the rapid spread of the virus.”
Experts fear that the World Cup could become a hotbed of disease due to a measles outbreak in the United States that risks being the most severe in decades. Millions of fans are expected to travel to and through North America to follow the tournament, which will take place in 16 cities across Canada, Mexico, and the United States between June and July. The measles outbreak in the U.S. could expose fans of various national teams to the risk of contracting the infection and bringing it back to their home countries, or of falling ill during their travels.
The Pan American Health Organization has urged authorities to strengthen controls, identify high-risk areas, and ensure travelers have clear information and access to vaccination before the World Cup and other major events.
In the United States, measles cases have nearly doubled compared to last year. It is also estimated that the actual number of cases is about three times higher than the official figure. This year, 30 new outbreaks have occurred in the U.S., and 93% of confirmed cases are linked to these clusters. The states most affected are Florida (141 cases), South Carolina (669), Texas (182), and Utah (486). The situation in Texas is particularly concerning because it will host 16 World Cup matches, more than any other state.
