DRC football delegation cleared for US World Cup after Ebola protocol compliance

The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s football federation (FECOFA) and FIFA have confirmed that the national team’s delegation is fully compliant with United States health protocols regarding the ongoing Ebola outbreak, clearing the way for the squad to compete in the 2026 World Cup. The confirmation follows urgent discussions between the federation and FIFA, which resulted in the cancellation of a planned training camp in Kinshasa and the relocation of preparations to Europe.

To ensure adherence to US entry requirements, staff members who departed Kinshasa earlier in the month are completing a mandatory 21-day isolation period in Europe before travelling to the United States. The team, known as the Leopards, will be based in Houston, Texas, for the tournament co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. This logistical shift was implemented to mitigate risks associated with the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which the World Health Organization (WHO) has assessed as posing a "very high" national risk in the DRC, with more than 1,000 suspected cases and 246 suspected deaths reported.

DRC Ambassador to the US, Yvette Kapinga Ngandu, expressed confidence in the measures taken, stating that the Leopards are "ready" and "safe." She emphasised that the swift and decisive actions taken by FECOFA and FIFA were responsible and reasonable, asserting that the United States would embrace the team. Sports Minister Didier Budimbu added that the DRC government had done "everything in its power" to ensure the squad arrived prepared, protected, and ready to compete.

The clearance comes as the DRC prepares for their first World Cup appearance in 52 years. The Leopards are scheduled to open their Group K campaign against Portugal on June 17, followed by matches against Colombia in Guadalajara on June 23 and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 27. Most squad members are based in European clubs, which reduces the risk of direct exposure to the outbreak in Kinshasa, aligning with the broader strategy to isolate the team from the epicentre of the health crisis.

While the team’s travel logistics are resolved, officials have raised concerns regarding DRC fans who have secured World Cup tickets but are unable to obtain US visas due to administrative restrictions. Discussions with FIFA regarding possible refunds for affected supporters are currently underway. The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19.