Health scientists monitor disease risks at 2026 World Cup (opens in new tab)

Public health teams are watching for infectious diseases as the 2026 FIFA World Cup opens across the United States, Canada and Mexico, with millions of fans expected to move through stadiums, airports, hotels, bars, fan festivals and public transit in 16 host cities. Scientists described the tournament as a mass-gathering test for disease surveillance. Science reported that one research group studying visitor-related infection risks does not expect pathogens to dominate the event. Measles is ...