Will Ebola have an impact on the World Cup?

DR Congo Team Arrives in US After Ebola-Related Quarantine

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) national soccer team has arrived in the United States for the 2026 World Cup after being required to serve a 21-day quarantine in Belgium, a precaution linked to an Ebola outbreak in their home country. The squad landed on a flight from Paris on Thursday, following US authorities' insistence that they complete the isolation period outside the DRC or risk being denied entry for the tournament, as reported by Al Jazeera and France 24.

Head coach Sebastien Desabre expressed hope that his team would deliver a "good showing" and bring some joy to their compatriots dealing with the outbreak. "We adapted to the situation," Desabre said. "We had to focus, as we have had to adapt often. That is what we did. We worked well, we played two tough friendlies, and here we are. Now, it is another step for us."

The DRC, making their first World Cup appearance since 1974 (when they were known as Zaire), cancelled a planned training camp at home and instead based themselves in Belgium. A warm-up match against Chile in Spain was also cancelled due to Ebola concerns. The team will be based in Houston, Texas, for their opening Group K match against Portugal on June 17, followed by games against Colombia in Guadalajara and Uzbekistan in Atlanta.

Ebola Outbreak Numbers and Spread

The Ebola outbreak, first declared in the DRC on May 15, involves the rare Bundibugyo strain of the virus, according to Al Jazeera. Reports from multiple outlets indicate the outbreak has infected at least 488 people and caused 86 deaths in the DRC. Deutsche Welle, citing the World Health Organization (WHO), reported 515 confirmed cases in the DRC and 19 in neighboring Uganda, with two deaths in Uganda as of June 6. The WHO has declared the outbreak a "public health emergency of international concern," according to Al Jazeera.

The outbreak has also prompted Uganda to largely close its western border with the DRC, a move that has frustrated traders who rely on cross-border commerce, Al Jazeera reported.

Host Nations' Travel Restrictions and Screening

The United States, Canada, and Mexico, the three World Cup host nations, have announced "aligned public health travel measures for individuals coming from African regions at greatest risk from the Ebola virus," according to a joint statement reported by Al Jazeera. In May, the US banned noncitizens who had traveled to the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan in the previous 21 days from entering the country, the outlet noted. Deutsche Welle also reported that all non-US citizens who have been in those countries must spend 21 days outside them and be symptom-free before entering the US.

Risk Assessment: Low but Not Zero

US infectious disease experts say the risk that a traveler infected with Ebola could arrive in the United States during the World Cup is "low but not zero," and if that happens, US hospitals are prepared to respond, as reported by Al Jazeera. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Pan American Health Organization, and the WHO have all described the risk of Ebola to host countries as low, citing measles, COVID-19, and influenza as more likely threats due to large crowd gatherings.

Al Jazeera noted that US hospitals have improved preparedness since the 2014 West African Ebola outbreak, which exposed gaps when a Liberian man with Ebola symptoms was initially turned away from a Dallas hospital. That incident led to $260 million in US funding for Ebola preparedness training and response capabilities, as well as 13 specialized treatment centers.

"We're not going to be able to prevent 100% of infections, but we certainly are the most prepared that we have ever been," said Dr. Gavin Harris, an expert in serious communicable diseases at Emory University in Atlanta, one of the 11 US World Cup host cities.

Perspectives

Health Officials and Experts

Health authorities and infectious disease specialists emphasize that the risk of Ebola transmission at the World Cup is low but not zero, and that preventive measures and hospital readiness are in place.

DRC Team and Coach

The DRC squad and coach Sebastien Desabre have expressed determination to perform well despite the challenges posed by the outbreak and the resulting quarantine and relocation of their training base.