The Democratic Republic of Congo said its national football federation and FIFA have confirmed that its World Cup delegation complies with US protocols regarding the Ebola outbreak, paving the way for the team to participate in the tournament.
A team official had said on Saturday that preparations would continue as planned despite a US requirement that individuals complete a 21-day isolation period before entering the country.
The United States, along with Canada and Mexico, will host the World Cup from June 11 to July 19.
The World Health Organization warned last week of a «very high» risk of the Bundibugyo variant of Ebola spreading nationwide in the DRC, with more than 1,000 suspected cases and 246 suspected deaths so far.
Congolese authorities said their federation (FECOFA) had held talks with FIFA this week and the delegation was now fully compliant with health and safety protocols, including canceling a training camp in Kinshasa and moving preparations abroad.
“I applaud FECOFA and FIFA for taking swift and decisive steps to take this responsible, reasonable determination,” DRC Ambassador to the United States Yvette Kapinga Ngandu said in a statement on Wednesday.
“The Leopards are ready, they are safe, and I have no doubt that the United States will embrace this team.”
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Reuters has contacted FIFA for comment.
Most members of the squad are based in Europe, reducing the risk of direct exposure, while staff members who left Kinshasa earlier this month will spend at least 21 days in Europe before traveling to the US, in accordance with US health guidelines.
“The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has made every effort to ensure they arrive in the United States prepared, protected and ready to compete,” said Sports Minister Didier Budimbu.
Officials also raised concerns about fans who secured World Cup tickets but were unable to obtain US visas due to administrative restrictions, adding that discussions were ongoing with FIFA over possible refunds.
The Congolese team, which is appearing at the World Cup for the first time in 52 years, will be based in Houston. The country opens its Group K campaign against Portugal on June 17, before facing Colombia in Guadalajara on June 23 and Uzbekistan in Atlanta on June 27.
Published on May 28, 2026
