GENEVA June 11 (SANA) The World Health Organization has said that the risk of Ebola spreading during the 2026 FIFA World Cup remains low, urging fans to proceed with their travel plans and enjoy the tournament despite ongoing outbreaks in parts of Africa.
Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, said the current health assessments do not justify widespread travel restrictions or changes to fan travel plans, emphasizing the importance of following official health guidance and staying informed.
Kluge noted that most reported cases are concentrated in remote areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, adding that screening measures for travelers from affected regions, combined with the fact that Ebola transmission requires direct contact with infected individuals, significantly reduce the risk of wider spread.
In contrast, the United States has imposed entry restrictions on travelers from several countries experiencing outbreaks, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan, saying the measures are intended to protect public health.
Washington has also encouraged other countries to adopt similar steps, as millions of fans are expected to travel to host nations during the tournament.
The European Commission said it is coordinating with member states and international partners since the outbreak began, adding that there is currently no evidence supporting additional travel restrictions.
According to the latest health data, hundreds of Ebola cases have been recorded in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, along with a smaller number in Uganda. No cases have been reported in the World Cup host countries—the United States, Canada, and Mexico—or in European nations.
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