US says DRC team must isolate due to Ebola before arriving for World Cup

US Requires DRC Team to Isolate for 21 Days Ahead of World Cup

The United States has told the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) national football team that they must complete a 21-day isolation period before entering the country for the 2026 World Cup, due to concerns over an Ebola outbreak in the central African nation. The requirement was confirmed by Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force for the World Cup, in comments to ESPN, as reported by multiple outlets including Al Jazeera.

Giuliani said the Congolese delegation must maintain a "bubble" where they are currently training in Belgium and isolate for 21 days "or risk not being able to travel to the United States." He added: "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."

Despite the warning, a team spokesperson said there were no plans to change their preparations. "We have kept our training programme. No player in the squad has come from DR Congo," the official told Al Jazeera. Most of the squad is based in Europe, including players from England's Premier League and France's Ligue 1, reducing direct exposure to the outbreak.

Coverage Comparison

Reports on this story have varied in emphasis. Early coverage from Al Jazeera focused on the US warning and the team's continued preparations. Subsequent reports, also from Al Jazeera, highlighted the confirmation by FIFA and DRC's football federation (FECOFA) that the delegation was compliant with US health protocols, clearing the way for the team to compete. Africa News emphasised the impact on fans, noting that DRC had requested FIFA reimburse supporters who purchased tickets but are now unable to enter the US. France 24's coverage was part of a broader press review, mentioning the 17th Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and the effect of aid cuts on emergency response.

Key Claims

• The US requires a 21-day isolation period for anyone who has been in the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan in the past 21 days, as confirmed by multiple sources.
• The DRC team will play Portugal on June 17 in Houston, in Group K, followed by matches against Colombia on June 23 in Guadalajara and Uzbekistan on June 27 in Atlanta.
• FIFA and FECOFA have confirmed compliance with US health protocols, according to statements from DRC's ambassador and sports minister.
• FIFA has pledged to consider refunding DRC fans who purchased tickets but were denied US entry visas, as reported by multiple outlets.
• Over 900 suspected cases of Ebola and 223 potential deaths have been reported since the start of the outbreak, according to health authorities cited by Africa News.
• The US Embassy in Kinshasa has suspended its visa services, complicating travel for Congolese fans, as reported by Africa News.
• Tickets for the 2026 World Cup are up to seven times more expensive than those for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, according to Africa News.

Perspectives

DRC officials and fans: The DRC government and FECOFA have expressed frustration over the situation, with FECOFA president Veron Mosengo-Omba saying, "Our fans are being punished when all they want is to support their team. We don't want them to lose all their money." The team's ambassador, Yvette Kapinga Ngandu, struck a confident tone, saying, "The Leopards are ready, they are safe, and I have no doubt that the United States will embrace this team."

US health and security officials: The US has taken a cautious approach, with Giuliani stating, "We want to make sure that there is nothing that's [going to compromise] the health and safety of the American public." The requirement for a 21-day isolation period is part of a broader ban on entry for individuals who have been in affected countries.

FIFA and football authorities: FIFA has been working with FECOFA to ensure compliance and has pledged to consider refunds for fans. This suggests a balance between protecting public health and maintaining the integrity of the tournament.

Background and Context

The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, runs from June 11 to July 19. The DRC's qualification is historic, marking their first appearance since 1974. The Ebola outbreak, declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization on May 16, has raised concerns about travel and health security. The US restriction applies to anyone who has been in the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan in the past 21 days, which has also affected fans and other travelers.

FECOFA's statement noted that staff members who left Kinshasa for Belgium on May 20 will spend at least 21 days in Europe before heading to the US, meeting the US requirement. The team is currently training in Belgium and will play friendlies against Denmark and Chile before the tournament.

As of now, the DRC team is cleared to compete, and preparations are proceeding as planned. The situation for fans remains uncertain, with many unable to obtain visas and facing expensive ticket costs. FIFA's consideration of refunds may provide some relief, but the outcome remains to be seen.