Hong Myung-bo, head coach of the Korean national men's football team, speaks during a press conference in Seoul, May 16. Yonhap

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With the 2026 FIFA World Cup less than three weeks away, concerns are mounting over infectious disease outbreaks affecting host countries and other parts of the world.

The tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, marks the first time three countries will co-host a World Cup. Experts say factors such as long travel distances, time zone differences and disparate regional climates could become major variables during the event.

Above all, health concerns for spectators are drawing attention. With the tournament expanded to 48 participating nations and a larger number of matches, total attendance is expected to exceed 5 million people. At the same time, outbreaks of infectious diseases are continuing across the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

The FIFA logo is displayed on a World Cup countdown timer outside BC Place in Vancouver, Canada, May 4. AP-Yonhap

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), measles outbreaks in the host countries have reached concerning levels.

In Mexico, the measles infection rate jumped to 7.57 cases per 100,000 people, up from 4.94 last year. In the United States, 1,792 measles cases have been reported so far this year. Considering that 2,288 cases were recorded during all of last year, the pace of infections has accelerated significantly.

Canada is facing a similar situation. The country lost its measles elimination status last year, which it had maintained since 1998. After imported cases entered the country in 2024, more than 5,000 infections were confirmed in just over a year. This year alone, more than 900 cases have been reported across seven regions nationwide.

A drone view of Banorte Stadium, temporarily renamed Mexico City Stadium (Estadio Ciudad de Mexico), taken May 15, as renovation work continues ahead of the World Cup, which begins June 11 in Mexico City. Reuters-Yonhap

Source: Korea Times News