The United States, Canada and Mexico on Thursday announced coordinated public health travel measures aimed at preventing the spread of the Ebola virus ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The three host nations said the measures were being introduced as millions of fans, athletes and tourists are expected to travel across North America during the tournament.
In a joint statement, the countries said: “The United States, Mexico and Canada have announced aligned public health travel measures for individuals coming from African regions at greatest risk from the Ebola virus.”
“This coordinated approach aims to protect our citizens and the millions of visitors, fans, athletes, and tourists expected during the FIFA World Cup 2026, while maintaining travel and commerce across our borders. The health and safety of every person in the region remains our highest priority as we welcome the world to North America,” the statement added.
WHO Declared Ebola Outbreak A Global Health Emergency
The announcement follows growing international concern over the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa.
On May 17, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), warning that the virus carried a high risk of spreading to neighbouring countries.
The declaration prompted several governments worldwide to strengthen travel surveillance, screening and quarantine measures.
US Tightens Entry Restrictions
The United States has already imposed strict entry restrictions linked to the outbreak.
According to officials, non-citizens who recently travelled to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda or South Sudan are currently barred from entering the country.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) later expanded the restrictions to include green card holders who had visited the affected countries within the previous 21 days.
Canada Announces Quarantine Rules
Canada has introduced a 90-day entry ban on residents arriving from the three affected African nations.
Canadian authorities also announced that citizens and permanent residents returning from those regions will be required to undergo a mandatory 21-day quarantine beginning May 30.
Officials said the measures were precautionary and aimed at reducing the risk of cross-border transmission during the World Cup buildup.
Mexico Steps Up Airport Screening
Mexico has also tightened health monitoring at airports.
Mexican Health Secretary David Kershenovich announced enhanced Ebola screening protocols for incoming passengers and advised citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Authorities have also requested travellers arriving from the affected region to self-isolate for 21 days.
FIFA World Cup 2026 To Span Three Countries
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, marking the first edition of the tournament to feature 48 teams.
Matches are scheduled across multiple cities in all three countries, with organisers expecting one of the largest international sporting gatherings in history.
The coordinated health measures are aimed at balancing public safety with the smooth movement of players, officials and fans during the tournament period.