World Cup: DR Congo requests 21-day isolation due to Ebola outbreak

Congo’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup have been thrown into doubt after the United States imposed strict health protocols on the national team amid the African country’s Ebola outbreak.

Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House World Cup Task Force, confirmed on Friday that the Congolese delegation had been instructed to remain in a controlled isolation bubble in Belgium for 21 days before being allowed to enter the United States, according to Reuters, reported by ESPN.

“We made it clear to the Congo that they should maintain the integrity of their bubble for 21 days before they come to Houston on June 11,” Giuliani told ESPN.

“We’ve also made it very clear to the Congolese government that they have to maintain this bubble or they risk not being able to travel to the United States. We couldn’t be clearer.”

The move comes after Congo confirmed an outbreak of the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola earlier this month. More than 130 people have reportedly died, with nearly 600 suspected cases reported so far.

Giuliani said the US administration is not willing to take any risks when it comes to public health and border security World Cup.

“We want to make sure nothing in this matter gets to or near our borders,” he said, as quoted by ESPN.

Congo is ready to step out Group K at the 2026 FIFA World Cupwith their opening match scheduled for June 17 in Houston against Portugal. They will then face Colombia in Guadalajara, Mexico on June 23 and finish the group stage against Uzbekistan in Atlanta on June 27.

In response to the outbreak, Congo has already moved its preparations away from home soil. The team canceled a planned training camp in Kinshasa and moved to Belgium to face Denmark in a friendly in Liège on June 3. The next warm-up game against Chile is scheduled for the south of Spain on June 9.

Despite health concerns, the majority of the Congolese squad is based outside the country, with several players active in European football. The squad includes Premier League names such as West Ham defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa, while captain Chancel Mbemba currently plays for Lille in France. French coach Sebastien Desabre also remains with the team as preparations continue under strict restrictions.

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Issued by:

Amar Panicker

Published on:

May 23, 2026 14:36 ​​IST

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