FIFA World Cup 2026 — Mass Gathering Health Risk Assessment (Version 2.0)
Description
FIFA World Cup 2026 — Mass Gathering Health Risk Assessment (Version 2.0)
EpidBot Analysis Report | June 13, 2026
FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 — MASS GATHERING HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT
Version 2.0 | Publication Grade | WHO-Style Framework
Prepared by: EpidBot Epidemiological Intelligence Unit — Kwar-AI
Date: 13 June 2026 (T−2 days to Tournament Opening)
Classification: Public Health Intelligence — For Official Use
Scope: 48 qualified nations, 16 host cities, 3 host countries (USA, Mexico, Canada)
Tournament Period: 11 June — 19 July 2026
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary
Methods
Tournament Context
Results — Infectious Disease Threat Assessment
Results — Operational Health Threat Assessment
Host City Multi-Dimensional Analysis
Scenario Modeling
Uncertainty Analysis
Discussion
Limitations
Recommendations
References
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Purpose
This report provides a comprehensive epidemiological risk assessment for the FIFA World Cup 2026, the largest single-sport mass gathering in history. It assesses infectious disease threats, operational health risks, and multi-threat convergence scenarios across 16 host cities in three countries.
Key Finding 1: Heat-Related Illness Is the Single Highest Operational Risk
Based on historical climate data for June–July, Phoenix (AZ), Miami (FL), Houston (TX), Dallas (TX), and Monterrey (MX) face average maximum temperatures ≥94°F (34°C). Phoenix consistently exceeds 108°F (42°C). Combined with stadium capacity (>80,000), prolonged outdoor exposure, alcohol consumption, and inadequate acclimatization among arriving travelers, heat-related illness represents the highest single-event operational health threat. Evidence base: Historical meteorological records. Confidence: HIGH.
Key Finding 2: Respiratory Diseases (COVID-19, Influenza) Are the Leading Infectious Disease Threats
ECDC sent
Authors
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20684134
Publication Date: 2026-06-14
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