DR Congo’s road to the FIFA World Cup 2026 has hit a major hurdle after the United States imposed strict health measures on the team following an Ebola outbreak in the African nation.
According to ESPN, citing Reuters, the US government has instructed Congo’s delegation to remain inside a monitored isolation bubble in Belgium for 21 days before they can enter the country for the tournament.
Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force for the World Cup, said the restrictions were non-negotiable and warned Congo against violating the quarantine rules. “We’ve been very clear to Congo that they should maintain the integrity of their bubble for 21 days before they can then come to Houston on June 11,” Giuliani told ESPN.
“We’ve made it very clear to the Congo government as well, that they need to maintain that bubble or they risk not being able to travel to the United States.” The decision follows an outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in Congo earlier this month. Reports suggest the outbreak has already claimed more than 130 lives, while hundreds of suspected infections are under investigation.
With the World Cup approaching, US officials said public health and border security remain a top priority.
Congo are scheduled to begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against Portugal in Houston on June 17. They will later face Colombia in Guadalajara before taking on Uzbekistan in Atlanta in their final group-stage fixture.
To avoid further complications, Congo shifted their pre-tournament preparations to Europe after cancelling a planned training camp in Kinshasa. The team is currently based in Belgium and will play Denmark in a friendly in Liege on June 3 before facing Chile in Spain on June 9.
Despite the uncertainty, the squad continues to train under French coach Sebastien Desabre. Several players are based in European leagues, including former Manchester United full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, forward Yoane Wissa, and captain Chancel Mbemba.
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