World Cup 2026

[Commonground]

U.S. EMBASSY & CONSULATES IN MEXICO
JUNE 10, 2026
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MESSAGE TO U.S. CITIZENS: SCHOOL CLOSURES, TELEWORK, AND PROTESTS IN MEXICO CITY ON JUNE 11 FOR FIFA WORLD CUP 2026™ INAUGURATION​


Location: Mexico City

Event: The inaugural FIFA World Cup 2026™ game will take place in Mexico City on June 11. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum declared measures to reduce traffic on June 11 in Mexico City for the inaugural game, urging maximum telework and closing schools.

Since the beginning of June, protests by workers’ unions have caused disruption in Mexico City by intermittently closing off areas near the historic center (the Zocalo and surrounding streets). Additional protests are anticipated during World Cup programming in Mexico City which may cause significant disruptions to normal traffic patterns, including temporarily closing arterial roads such as Paseo de la Reforma, Periferico Sur, and Circuito Interior, as well as briefly blocking access to Benito Juárez International Airport. Protests are generally peaceful, but some have resulted in clashes with the police, as well as an increased security presence around affected areas.
U.S. citizens should avoid participating in demonstrations that may be deemed political by authorities, as Mexican law prohibits political activities by foreign citizens, and participation may result in detention or deportation.
Actions to Take:

• Monitor local media to understand possible disruption to roads, airports, and events.
• Avoid participating in political demonstrations.
• Review our June 9 message to U.S. citizens and website for specific information and travel advice related to Mexico during FIFA World Cup 2026™ from June 11 – July 5, 2026.
• Review President Sheinbaum’s official decree and follow all guidance from local authorities.
• Download and print our contact information pocket guide or save it to your phone to use the clickable links. This handy tool can help you reach us in an emergency.
• Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Call 911 in an emergency.
• Contact the U.S. Embassy if you need assistance.

Assistance:

Contact Form
U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico
From Mexico: (55) 2579-2000
From the United States: 011-52-(55)-2579-2000 or 301-985-8843
Department of State – Consular Affairs: +1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444

Links:

Mexico International Travel information
U.S. Citizens in Mexico WhatsApp Channel
U.S. Passports
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
U.S. Department of State on Facebook and X
U.S. Embassy in Mexico on Facebook and X
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https://mx.usembassy.gov/message-to...june-11-for-fifa-world-cup-2026-inauguration/

 

[Commonground]

Connecticut Public Health urges residents to stay informed during FIFA World Cup
6/11/26

​DPH monitoring Ebola, mpox, measles, H5N1 and other infectious disease threats; Connecticut residents and visitors encouraged to take common-sense precautions

HARTFORD, Conn.—Governor Ned Lamont and the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) are issuing guidance to help Connecticut residents and visitors navigate the current infectious disease landscape with accurate information and practical guidance, particularly as the 2026 World Cup soccer matches bring an unprecedented surge of international travelers to the region.

The tournament runs from June 11 through July 19 with nearby host cities including New York/New Jersey, Boston, and Philadelphia. It is expected to draw in millions of fans, athletes, journalists, and tourists from across the globe. This historic gathering is a cause for celebration but also for monitoring infectious diseases that have made recent headlines.

“As we prepare to welcome tourists visiting the region for the World Cup, I want Connecticut residents to know we are looking out for their health and safety,” Governor Lamont said. “The Connecticut Department of Public Health and our public health experts are actively monitoring for any signs of infectious disease activity and have robust systems in place to respond quickly if needed—however low the risk may be. To be clear, the risk to Connecticut residents is very low, although I encourage everyone to continue to keep taking sensible precautions by staying up to date on vaccines and practicing good hygiene.”

“DPH has spent months preparing for the unique infectious disease challenges that come with hosting a global event of this scale,” Connecticut Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani, M.D., said. “We have activated our Incident Management Team, expanded disease surveillance, and established real-time communication protocols with local, national, and international health authorities. We encourage all attendees to stay current on their vaccinations, practice good hand hygiene, and seek care promptly if they feel unwell. We want everyone to enjoy this historic event with confidence in our infrastructure and knowledge that the risk to Connecticut residents remains low.”

What Connecticut is Monitoring

Ebola: Serious Globally, Low Direct Risk to Connecticut Residents

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which no approved vaccine currently exists. The risk to residents remains low.

Ebola does not spread through the air. It requires direct contact with the bodily fluids of a person who is actively sick. There are no confirmed cases in the United States linked to this outbreak at this time.

DPH notified healthcare facilities to have a heightened awareness for patients with travel histories presenting with fever, hemorrhagic symptoms, or unexplained severe illness, particularly those with recent travel to the DRC or Uganda. The Connecticut State Public Health Laboratory is equipped to test for Ebola, providing the state with critical in-state diagnostic capacity.

Measles: The Risk for Connecticut

Measles will likely pose a higher risk of transmission at the tournament, driven by high global burden and declining vaccination rates. As of early June, more than 2,000 measles cases have been reported in the United States this year. Since 2025, there have been more than 4,000 reported cases in the U.S., the largest number in decades. Connecticut’s measles vaccination (MMR) rate is the highest in the nation and the state has not had any cases in 2026.

Measles spreads easily through the air and can remain infectious in a room for hours after an infected person has left. Large international gatherings like these soccer matches create conditions where measles can move quickly through unvaccinated populations.

DPH urges all residents to verify that they are up to date on MMR vaccination before attending any large public gatherings, including tournament events, viewing parties, and travel to host cities. The MMR vaccine is safe, highly effective, and widely available through healthcare providers and pharmacies across Connecticut.

Clade I Mpox: Connecticut Has Confirmed Its First Case

Connecticut recently confirmed its first case of Clade I mpox, a strain that has been increasingly spreading internationally. Large international gatherings are often associated with increases in sexual activity, tourism, and temporary social networks, all of which can contribute to increased transmission of mpox and other sexually transmitted infections including gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV.

The mpox vaccine is available through healthcare providers and pharmacies across Connecticut.

Safer sex is about more than reducing risk, it’s about making informed choices that protect personal health while supporting positive, enjoyable experiences. Testing for mpox and sexually transmitted infections is available through commercial laboratories and the Connecticut State Public Health Laboratory. (Learn more about MPOX vaccination.)

H5N1 Bird Flu: Ongoing Monitoring, Low General Public Risk

DPH continues to monitor H5N1 avian influenza, which has been detected in wildlife, dairy cattle herds, and poultry operations across the United States. No commercial dairy or poultry operations in Connecticut have been affected. Risk to humans remains low; however, busy summer events and the movement of international visitors through Connecticut means our surveillance systems must remain sharp.

As a reminder, commercially pasteurized dairy products are safe, and properly cooked poultry poses no H5N1 risk.

Respiratory Diseases: COVID-19 and Influenza Remain in Circulation

COVID-19 and influenza continue to circulate in Connecticut and nationally, and large international gatherings can accelerate the spread. Respiratory viruses spread easily in crowded indoor and outdoor settings, and an influx of international travelers increases the likelihood of exposure to circulating strains.

DPH encourages all residents and visitors to ensure they are up to date on both their COVID-19 and annual influenza vaccinations before attending tournament events, viewing parties, or traveling to host cities. Vaccines for both are widely available through healthcare providers and pharmacies across Connecticut. If individuals are feeling unwell, they are encouraged to stay home.

Hantavirus: Risk to Connecticut Remains Very Low

Following the Andes hantavirus cluster aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean, DPH has maintained active monitoring and distributed guidance to healthcare partners statewide. The risk to the general Connecticut public remains extremely low. Andes hantavirus does not spread through casual contact or air, and there is no U.S. community spread linked to the cruise ship cluster. Protect Yourself From Increased Infection Risk This Summer

Before attending large public gatherings or traveling:

• Confirm you and your family are up to date on all recommended vaccinations, especially MMR
• Speak with your healthcare provider if you have upcoming international travel
• Check CDC travel health advisories at www.cdc.gov/travel for the most current guidance for your destination
• Check CDC tips for soccer fans at www.cdc.gov/soccer

While attending large events or traveling:

• Use good hand hygiene, wash hands with soap and water frequently
• Practice safe sex and know how to access testing and care
• If you are unwell, stay home
• Prioritize water, rest, and shade to avoid heat-related illness

If you become ill after travel or attending large events:

• Contact your healthcare provider promptly and share your full travel history
• Do not self-present to an emergency department without calling ahead if you have symptoms consistent with a serious illness and recent international travel history
• Call 2-1-1 Connecticut to be connected to health resources in your area

Connecticut has invested in the infrastructure, laboratory capacity, clinical partnerships, and surveillance systems needed to detect, respond to, and contain infectious disease threats quickly and effectively. The Connecticut State Public Health Laboratory can test for Ebola, mpox, measles, and H5N1. DPH is in active, real-time coordination with the CDC and neighboring state health departments. Connecticut’s hospitals and clinical partners have been briefed and have protocols in place.

Public health officials are monitoring a wide range of potential threats during the tournament, including both expected health concerns and unexpected challenges. The State of Connecticut will continue to issue updates as the situation evolves.
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https://portal.ct.gov/dph/newsroom/...nitoring,,operations across the United States.
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Translation Google

A flu epidemic hits the Colombian national team before their round of 16 match against Switzerland

George Vila , 2 hours ago

A critical situation for the Colombian national team before the crucial round of 16 match of the 2026 World Cup against Switzerland.

The South American team is facing a rapid spread of a flu virus within the delegation, a major problem that is causing serious concern for Argentine coach Néstor Lorenzo (60 years old) before the clash with Switzerland , scheduled for July 7 at BC Place stadium in Vancouver.

James Rodríguez , the first victim of the virus during the match against Ghana

The first major warning signs regarding this epidemic appeared during the round of 32 match, when Colombia narrowly defeated Ghana 1-0 . At that moment, the team's captain and star player, James Rodríguez (34 years old), remained in the locker room at halftime.

Although fans initially feared a possible injury or muscle problems, coach Néstor Lorenzo quickly dispelled these speculations, confirming that the substitution was solely due to the player's precarious health. Both the coach and the former Real Madrid player openly acknowledged that the virus had affected a significant number of players, as well as other staff members present at the final tournament.

"Several players have presented similar flu-like symptoms, and we anticipate they may experience increased fatigue ," explained Néstor Lorenzo. He specified that managing playing time has been essential to avoid physical overload for the affected players. For his part, James Rodríguez confirmed his coach's comments after the match against Ghana: " There's a virus that has affected me, as well as many of my teammates."

Qualifying for the quarterfinals and dreaming of equaling the 2014 performance

Despite these serious medical problems, which remain unresolved to this day, Los Cafeteros remain undefeated in this edition of the World Cup and are considered by experts to be a team capable of causing a major upset in the final stages. Currently, Colombia is listed seventh in the odds of winning the tournament, with standout players being Daniel Muñoz (30 years old), who has scored two goals, and Luis Díaz (29 years old), who has scored one goal and provided one assist.

If they manage to eliminate Switzerland , coached by Murat Yakin , Colombia will face the winner of the match between Argentina and Egypt in the quarterfinals . Qualification for the next round would equal the best-ever run in the World Cup, achieved in 2014. During that edition in Brazil, James Rodríguez became the tournament's top scorer and netted a memorable goal in the 2-0 victory against Uruguay, before Colombia's run ended in the quarterfinals against the host nation, with a 1-2 defeat.

https://www.flashscore.fr/actualite...t-son-8e-de-finale-face-a-la-suisse/tCcPzlSq/

 

[Pathfinder]

Translation Google

World Cup 2026

A virus is attacking Colombia

Several players on the South American team are suffering from the flu. “There’s a virus going around that’s really bad. Many of us are like this,” James said.

Ivan Cordovilla
Football Writer
Updated to July 5, 2026 19:08 CEST

The Colombian team has the entire country excited about the possibility of achieving something great again at the World Cup. However, the team is currently experiencing a somewhat delicate health situation . Local media had been reporting in recent days that a virus was circulating within the Colombian locker room, affecting several players.

Néstor Lozano himself explained that some players were experiencing physical discomfort before the match against Ghana, and James confirmed this afterward. “ There’s a virus going around that’s really tough . Many of us are feeling it,” the captain commented.

Despite these setbacks, James wanted to give his teammates a boost of optimism by stating that the team had been able to overcome that round despite this problem.

This isn't the first time this has happened at a World Cup. In fact, at the previous tournament in Qatar, the so-called "camel virus" became quite infamous , particularly affecting the French national team. Neither Upamecano nor Rabiot were able to play a single minute in the 2022 semifinals against Morocco. They weren't the only team affected, as players from the Netherlands, Brazil, and Switzerland also suffered from flu-like symptoms during their time in the Asian country.

This is a problem that the Colombian national team will have to solve as soon as possible, since this Tuesday they will have to face Switzerland in a round of 16 match that promises to be exciting for both teams.

Cordoba, drops out of the rest of the World Cup

Forward Jhon Córdoba had to be substituted prematurely against Ghana due to muscle problems. The way he left the field was worrying, and the worst fears were confirmed: he will be out for the remainder of the tournament .

Medical tests have revealed that the Krasnodar striker has a tear in his left adductor muscle . The injury is expected to keep him out for at least four weeks . Therefore, Néstor Lozano will be without the forward for any longer.

https://as.com/futbol/mundial/un-virus-ataca-a-colombia-f202607-n/