Co-hosts the United States, Canada and Mexico have agreed to maintain the same public health travel policy for football fans coming from Africa for the 2026 FIFA World Cup amid the Ebola virus outbreak. 

The three countries announced the arrangement in a joint statement issued on Thursday, stating that the measures aimed to protect their citizens as well as millions of tourists and athletes expected to visit North America during the tournament. 

“The United States, Mexico, and Canada have announced aligned public health travel measures for individuals coming from African regions at greatest risk from the Ebola virus. 

“This coordinated approach aims to protect our citizens and the millions of visitors, fans, athletes, and tourists expected during the FIFA World Cup 2026, while maintaining travel and commerce across our borders,” the statement said. 

The statement did not mention the plans the three countries intend to put in place for travelers coming from most affected regions in Africa to the United States, Canada and Mexico to watch the World Cup. 

However, the announcement came just one week after President Donald Trump invoked a public health law known as Title 42, barring immigrants who have travelled to or transited DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan over the previous 21 days from entering into the United States. 

Mr Trump’s order is set to remain in effect for 30 days, although the Trump administration could extend it, potentially preventing hundreds of interested fans from traveling for the biggest football showpiece in the world. 

“The health and safety of every person in the region remains our highest priority as we welcome the world to North America,” the statement added.