World Cup Health Tips: How Fans Can Stay Safe
An infectious diseases expert breaks down what illnesses could spread during the 2026 World Cup and shares how best to protect yourself.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is underway! The tournament is bringing millions of people from across the globe to cities throughout North America, including the New York region — and with that influx of international visitors comes a greater risk of infections.
“Our instinct is often to expect something unusual or uncommon, but in reality, the diseases most likely to circulate in these settings are the familiar ones,” says Dr. Nuwan Gunawardhana, an infectious disease specialist with NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. “We are expecting respiratory illnesses — like the common cold, influenza, and COVID — along with gastrointestinal infections and sexually transmitted infections. We are also currently seeing measles outbreaks both domestically and globally, and measles is the most contagious disease we know of.”
Preparing for the World Cup, which overlaps with the United States 250th anniversary celebrations, has required the coordination of health and public safety officials, all with the goal of keeping people safe whether they are local or traveling for celebrations.
Health Matters asked Dr. Gunawardhana about how to best protect yourself.
Remember the Basics — Wash Your Hands Well
Any large gathering increases the risk of disease transmission, particularly for respiratory illnesses, given the close proximity of attendees. Simple precautions like masking up and hand washing still go a long way to protecting yourself and others from infection, though how far you go depends on your own risk tolerance.
“The fundamentals remain essential: practicing good hand hygiene and choosing to wear a mask in particularly crowded settings, especially for those who are immunocompromised,” says Dr. Gunawardhana.
Get Vaccinated
The good news is, diseases most likely to spread at large gatherings can be prevented with vaccines. Before heading to matches, watch parties, or 250th anniversary celebrations, make sure your vaccines are current. If you have questions about your specific vaccination status — whether it’s COVID, the flu, or measles — a visit with your primary care physician is the best place to start.
“Exposure to measles is a real possibility in large crowd settings,” says Dr. Gunawardhana. “This is precisely why being current on your vaccinations matters so much.”
Practice Safe Sex
Sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) are a recurring concern around major sporting events like the World Cup, when visitors and social activity spike — and STI cases are rising worldwide, with over 1 million new cases reported each day, according to the World Health Organization.
“Sexually transmitted infections, including HIV and mpox, can spread in large gathering contexts, which is why practicing safe sex remains an important part of the conversation,” says Dr. Guhawardhana.
- Use protection: A condom is the best way to protect yourself from STIs. Latex and polyurethane condoms don't let STI viruses pass through, so they offer good protection from STIs.
- Know your status: Someone may not show symptoms of an STI, but they may still be infected. Before you have sex with someone, it's a good idea to get tested for STIs — including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV and mpox — and discuss sexual history.
Plus: How to Cope with “Fanxiety”
Being a sports fan can be an emotional roller coaster — sometimes called “fanxiety.” Remember that sports are meant to be enjoyable and social experiences. Whether your team wins or loses, take time to unwind afterward as a way to help manage the anxiety and stress that’s often associated with high-stakes sporting events.
That might mean meditating, reading, or trying simple breathing exercises, such as the 4-7-8 method, to help your body reset after a high-energy day.
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