he United States has told the Democratic Republic of Congo’s national football team that players and staff must complete an isolation period before entering the country for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The move comes as health officials continue to battle a growing Ebola outbreak in parts of central Africa.
DR Congo, which qualified for the World Cup for the first time in more than five decades, is scheduled to play Portugal in Houston on June 17. However, new travel and health restrictions linked to Ebola have forced the team to change its preparation plans before the tournament.
According to reports, the US government recently blocked entry for non-Americans who have visited DR Congo, Uganda or South Sudan within the last 21 days because of the outbreak. American officials later confirmed that the Congolese team would still be allowed to participate in the World Cup under special medical and travel conditions.
The isolation requirement means the squad must remain outside DR Congo for a period before traveling to the United States. Because of that, the team canceled a planned training camp and farewell event in Kinshasa. Most of the players already compete for clubs in Europe, making it easier for the team to relocate preparations abroad.
Health experts say the overall danger to World Cup fans remains low. Ebola spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids and does not spread easily like airborne viruses such as COVID-19. Medical officials believe strong health systems in the United States, Canada and Mexico should help prevent wider risks during the tournament.
Still, authorities are taking the outbreak seriously. The World Health Organization recently raised the Ebola risk level in eastern DR Congo to “very high” after hundreds of suspected infections and more than 100 deaths were reported. Public gatherings have been limited in some affected areas as officials try to contain the virus.
Houston officials said they are continuing to work closely with FIFA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and local health agencies ahead of the tournament. The city remains one of the major host locations for the World Cup and is expected to welcome thousands of international fans next month.
Even with the health concerns, fans in DR Congo are still excited about the team’s return to the World Cup. Players and coaches are trying to stay focused on football while also following important safety rules before the tournament.
