World Cup 2026: Heat, Mosquitoes, and Health Risks in U.S. Host Cities
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, public health officials in U.S. host cities are ramping up preparations to address health and safety challenges. With matches scheduled across 16 cities from June 11 to mid-July, officials are focusing on heat-related risks, disease surveillance, and food safety. Dallas, hosting nine matches, is enhancing mosquito and disease monitoring, including testing for West Nile virus, dengue, and Zika. Atlanta, known for its summer heat, is setting up cooling stations and hydration points for fans. Health departments are also preparing for potential outbreaks of measles and other infectious diseases due to large gatherings. Measures include daily inspections of food vendors and multilingual public health advisories. Despite reduced federal support, local agencies are leveraging existing resources to ensure public safety during the event. 
