NJ Experts Warn Of Health Risks At The 2026 FIFA World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to be one of the biggest sporting events ever held in New Jersey, but local health experts warn the tournament could also pose significant public health risks.

The World Cup will feature a total of 16 matches throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. New Jersey will host eight matches at MetLife Stadium, including the World Cup Final on July 19. 

With more than 1.2 million people from around the globe expected to attend the World Cup in New Jersey, health experts say the sheer scale of the event increases the risk of infectious disease transmission – and that state officials are not adequately prepared to address these risks.

The global public health infrastructure has been “greatly diminished,” said Perry Halkitis, dean of the Rutgers School of Public Health. He pointed to the undermining and underfunding of the World Health Organization, in part, by the U.S. government. Citing the recent outbreaks of Ebola and hantavirus, Halkitis expressed concern over the “systemic vulnerability” created by a lack of trust in science and government, weakening public health systems and healthcare workforces.

“[The World Cup] represents one of the largest temporary human migration events on Earth,” said Halkitis. “ If we’re not paying attention to the patterns of disease that are going around the world, and if we’re not coordinating with efforts [in] other countries and we have this isolationist attitude, then we make ourselves even more vulnerable to the possibility that things are going to enter our borders.” 

Stephanie Silvera, an epidemiologist and public health professor at Montclair State University, told NJ Urban News that she is especially concerned about measles, as vaccination rates have declined and herd immunity has weakened in several parts of New Jersey.

New Jersey reported 11 measles cases in New Jersey, an increase from the previous year. One case has been reported in the state so far this year.

According to New Jersey Monitor, local health officials reported around 350,000 cases of communicable diseases in the Garden State last year, including COVID-19, influenza, hepatitis, Lyme disease, and sexually transmitted diseases.

Health experts said that people who haven’t been vaccinated and those with pre-existing health conditions are at greater risk of severe illnesses at the World Cup.

“We’ve seen how quickly a global pandemic can occur, and we’re talking about having a lot of people come together in closed quarters from across the country, potentially and across the world,” said Silvera.

At the same time, severe summer temperatures have increased the risk of attendees suffering dehydration and heat strokes, especially if they consume alcohol. Such a high-energy, emotional event also carries the risk of violence breaking out among attendees.

“So all of those things come together to create a highly volatile situation, and if we are not monitoring people’s behavior and not monitoring how people are acting,” said Halkitis, “then people are going to spread these diseases, whether they be violence or infectious diseases or not hydrating correctly, and putting a strain on our system.”

Maggie Garbarino, a spokesperson for Gov. Mikie Sherrill, said the state government is working “in close coordination” with federal and local partners to “ensure we are prepared to welcome the world to our state this summer.” 

“Our highest priority is delivering a safe, seamless, and memorable World Cup experience for both visitors and New Jersey residents,” said Garbarino in a statement. “That includes taking the necessary steps to protect public health and ensuring our healthcare systems and emergency response partners are fully prepared to respond to emerging health concerns.”

Still, Halkitis said the tournament offers an opportunity for New Jersey – and the country – a chance to prove itself to the world.  

“Let’s hope that we just encourage people, bring out the best in each other. Go enjoy them, and show the world, despite the circumstances we’re living under, we actually still remain a very great country,” Halkitis said.