World Cup 2026: Mexico, US, Canada Coordinate Ebola Prevention Measures

Mexico is working with the United States and Canada to implement health protocols aimed at preventing the spread of Ebola during the 2026 World Cup. The Democratic Republic of Congo, currently battling a severe Ebola outbreak, is scheduled to play its initial group stage matches in both Mexico and the United States.

David Kershenobich, Mexico's Health Secretary, stated that "epidemiological surveillance protocols are being implemented in coordination with the United States and Canada, fundamentally in the context of the World Cup." These measures will include isolation procedures and close monitoring by health and tourism officials. The World Health Organization has described the epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo as "extremely serious and difficult," warning of its potential spread to at least ten other African nations.

The United States has announced that the Democratic Republic of Congo's national team must undergo a 21-day isolation period before entering the country. Their first match is scheduled for June 17 in Houston against Portugal. The team's subsequent matches will be against Colombia in Guadalajara, Mexico, and then in Atlanta, United States, against Uzbekistan on June 27. The team's base camp will be in Houston.

The WHO estimates that the current outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has caused approximately 220 deaths, with ten confirmed cases. Over 900 suspected cases have been reported. Uganda is also affected, with seven confirmed cases as of Monday. The current strain, Bundibugyo, lacks a specific vaccine or treatment.