As the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches, public health officials in the United States are increasingly concerned about the potential spread of infectious diseases, particularly measles. The World Health Organization has reported over 200 deaths linked to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which has led U.S. officials to impose a 30-day travel ban on foreign nationals from affected African countries. However, experts like Dr. Steven Goldberg emphasize that measles currently represents a more significant public health risk than Ebola, despite the latter's higher fatality rate. Measles is highly contagious and can spread through the air, making it particularly concerning given the influx of international visitors expected during the tournament. The U.S. eradicated measles in 2000, but the disease has been making a resurgence, with over 2,200 infections and three deaths reported in 2025. Countries participating in the World Cup, such as Iraq, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Ivory Coast, still have endemic measles, which could increase the risk of outbreaks in the U.S. The unique nature of the World Cup, taking place across 16 cities in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, creates ideal conditions for airborne transmission of measles, as fans travel between locations to support their teams. Public health officials are also monitoring other infectious diseases, including COVID-19 and influenza, but measles poses a unique challenge due to its ability to exploit gaps in vaccination coverage. Vaccine hesitancy and disruptions caused by the pandemic have contributed to a decline in vaccination rates, making populations more vulnerable to outbreaks. Dr. Goldberg warns that a single infected individual in a crowded area can lead to multiple exposures, as the virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after the infected person has left. In response to these concerns, the U.S. government has implemented strict measures to contain the spread of Ebola, including enhanced screening for returning citizens and a request for the DRC's national team to quarantine in Belgium for 21 days before arriving in the U.S. However, experts believe that controlling measles will be more challenging due to its airborne nature and the current state of vaccination coverage. Staying up to date on vaccinations and wearing masks in crowded areas are recommended strategies to mitigate the risk of infection during the World Cup.