Health Experts: Ebola Outbreak Poses Low but Real World Cup Risk

—Public health experts assessed the risk that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo poses to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, concluding that the risk of tournament spread is low but not negligible given the massive movement of people across international borders. WHO's European office reassured fans, while health officials in the US and host cities said screening measures are in place. The virus has not been detected outside central and east Africa. Experts noted that Ebola is not airborne and requires direct contact with bodily fluids, making transmission at a soccer tournament unlikely under normal circumstances. The US White House drew criticism after preemptively suggesting Europe would be to blame for any case linked to the tournament.