Photo credit: ReutersThe 

The United States, Mexico and Canada announced coordinated public health travel measures on Thursday for travellers arriving from African regions considered at the highest risk from the Ebola virus ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

In a joint statement released by Canada’s foreign affairs department, the three countries said the measures were aimed at protecting public health while ensuring the continued movement of trade and travel across North America during the tournament.

“The health and safety of every person in the region remains our highest priority as we welcome the world to North America,” the trilateral statement said. The FIFA World Cup 2026 is scheduled to begin on 11 June and will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

This is a drone photo of the Azteca Stadium, the venue for the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, taken on May 10, 2026, in Mexico City, capital of Mexico. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

According to the statement, the coordinated approach is intended to support preparations for the arrival of millions of visitors, football fans, athletes and tourists expected during the tournament.

Canada separately announced a 90-day entry ban on residents from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan. The measure took effect on Wednesday. Canadian authorities also said arrivals from those countries would be required to observe a 21-day quarantine period.

The announcement comes amid growing international concern over the Ebola outbreak in parts of Central and East Africa. Health authorities have continued monitoring the spread of the virus following confirmed cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

The World Health Organisation has described the regional risk level as high, although officials have stated that the outbreak does not currently constitute a global pandemic emergency.