WHO Europe Director Hans Kluge has assured fans that the risk of Ebola spreading during the upcoming World Cup remains low. Kluge advised spectators to travel as planned and enjoy the tournament without modification.
Current data confirms 635 cases in Congo and 19 in Uganda. Crucially, no cases have been reported in host nations Canada, Mexico, or the United States, nor anywhere in Europe. Health officials emphasize that the virus spreads only through direct contact and is currently contained to remote regions with active screening protocols.
Despite this assessment, the Trump Administration has imposed entry restrictions on travelers from Congo, South Sudan, and Uganda. State Department officials state these measures uphold national security standards. Washington is actively pressuring allied nations, including Belgium, to adopt similar bans ahead of the influx of international spectators.
Belgium and the European Commission are resisting this pressure. Belgian Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke’s office confirmed adherence to WHO and ECDC guidelines rather than unilateral US demands. The European Commission stated there is no evidence supporting additional entry measures at this time.
Diplomatic engagement continues at the highest levels. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen discussed the outbreak response with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on June 9. EU health ministers are scheduled to review the situation further on June 16.