The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has released new health recommendations for travelers and attendees of the 2026 FIFA World Cup™, emphasizing preventive measures to ensure safety during one of the world’s largest sporting events. The tournament will take place across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, drawing millions of domestic and international visitors.
As part of its “With Health, We All Win” campaign, PAHO is encouraging fans to take simple but important precautions to reduce health risks in stadiums, fan zones, transport systems, and other crowded environments where infectious diseases, heat exposure, and injuries can more easily spread.
A key focus of the guidance is vaccination. PAHO urges travelers to ensure they are up to date with routine immunizations, particularly measles protection, due to recent increases in cases across the Americas. The organization also recommends checking vaccines such as influenza, COVID-19, hepatitis A and B, and Tdap before travel.
Travelers are advised to prepare in advance by carrying essential medications, assembling a basic health kit, and confirming insurance coverage. PAHO also highlights the importance of maintaining healthy habits before departure, including proper rest, hydration, and nutrition, to better handle the demands of travel and large public events.
The recommendations also address risks linked to mass gatherings, including respiratory infections, foodborne illnesses, heat-related conditions, and injuries. Preventive actions such as frequent handwashing, consuming safe food and water, and staying hydrated are strongly encouraged. Attendees are also advised to be cautious in crowded areas and remain aware of emergency exits and venue safety measures.
In regions where mosquito-borne diseases are present, such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya, PAHO recommends using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing. The organization also stresses safe sexual health practices and warns that alcohol consumption can increase health risks in crowded and hot conditions.
PAHO further urges travelers to rely on official health sources to avoid misinformation and to seek medical attention promptly if symptoms such as fever, rash, or breathing difficulties occur during or after travel. Some infections may appear days after exposure, making post-travel monitoring important.
Through these guidelines, PAHO reinforces that health safety during global events is a shared responsibility, with simple preventive steps helping protect both individuals and the wider public during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
