The Democratic Republic of Congo are battling more than football ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after United States authorities imposed a strict 21-day isolation order on the team over the deadly Ebola outbreak in the country.
The Congolese delegation has been told to remain inside a tightly monitored health bubble in Belgium before traveling to Houston for the tournament, with officials warning that any breach of the protocol could lead to the team being denied entry into the United States.
Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force for the World Cup, confirmed the emergency measures, stressing that maintaining the integrity of the bubble was non-negotiable.
“If the bubble is broken, they risk not being able to enter the United States,” Giuliani said in comments reported by ESPN.
The drastic move follows growing international concern over the spread of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in DR Congo. Health authorities have reported hundreds of suspected infections and more than 130 suspected deaths as containment efforts intensify.
The crisis has already forced DR Congo to scrap plans for a pre-World Cup training camp and farewell celebrations in Kinshasa. Instead, the squad relocated preparations entirely to Belgium, where they will stay under strict supervision until cleared to travel.
Despite fears online, there is currently no confirmed blanket ban on Congolese supporters attending the World Cup. However, U.S. entry restrictions remain in place for travelers recently arriving from Ebola-affected countries unless they meet stringent medical requirements.
Most of the DR Congo squad play professionally in Europe and were outside the country before the outbreak escalated. The team, coached by Sébastien Desabre, is preparing for its first FIFA World Cup appearance since 1974.
DR Congo are scheduled to open their campaign in Houston on June 17 against Portugal before facing Colombia and Uzbekistan in Group K.
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