WHO Europe chief urges fans to enjoy World Cup as US pushes for travel restrictions
As Washington pushes other countries to impose travel restrictions on visitors from affected areas, WHO's European chief says the risk of Ebola spreading at the tournament remains minimal.
Published on 11/06/2026 - 13:15 GMT+2
WHO Europe chief Hans Kluge stressed that the risk of an Ebola spread remains low ahead of the World Cup, as the United States continues pressuring other countries to follow their lead and impose restrictions for travelersfrom affected countries.
“There is no reason to change your plans. Travel as normal, stay informed and enjoy the tournament," Kluge addressed World Cup fans in a statement.
As of 11 June, 635 cases and 127 deaths were reported in Congo and 19 cases and two deaths in Uganda. There are no cases reported in the World Cup host countries — Canada, Mexico and the United States — or Europe.
With most Ebola cases being reported in remote areas of Congo and screening before travel from the affected regions being in place for a virus that spreads only through direct contact, “the overall risk remains low,” WHO Europe chief reassured.
Despite that, the US has imposed entry restrictions for travellers from Congo, South Sudan and Uganda. “The Trump Administration is protecting our nation and its citizens by upholding the highest standards of national security and public health,” a State Department official told Euronews Health.
Washington expects the same measures from other countries as it plans for millions of World Cup spectators to travel to the US.
The US Ambassador to Belgium, Bill White, also reiterated the call for Belgium to impose entry bans for travellers from affected areas.
But Belgium plans to stick to its course.
“We remain vigilant and prepared,” a spokesperson for the Health minister Frank Vandenbroucke told Euronews Health.
The country is following the recommendations of the World Health Organization and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). In case someone develops symptoms upon arrival, “we are prepared,” the spokesperson reassured.
Washington reached out to other countries as well, but the State Department did not disclose which other countries were contacted. The US warned that those who fail to adopt such measures could face consequences for their travellers entering the United States.
The European Commission is coordinating their response with Belgium and all other EU countries, international organizations and partners “from day one,” a Commission spokesperson said.
“There is no evidence that additional measures are needed upon entry,” the spokesperson added.
The EC president Ursula von der Leyen discussed the Ebola response with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on 9 June. The Commission did not disclose further details about their conversation.
EU health ministers plan to discuss the Ebola outbreak on 16 June.
