The Democratic Republic of the Congo has reportedly declined to adhere to a United States directive mandating a 21-day isolation period for their team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This requirement, aimed at curbing potential health risks, specifically addresses concerns about an Ebola outbreak in the Congo.
U.S. authorities have emphasized that without strict compliance with these health protocols, the Congolese delegation might face entry restrictions into the country. Despite these warnings, officials from DR Congo are determined to proceed with their World Cup preparations as initially planned.
Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House Task Force for the World Cup, disclosed that the team had received clear instructions to maintain a controlled “bubble” environment for three weeks before their scheduled arrival in the United States.
US issues strict “bubble” warning
“We’ve communicated explicitly to Congo that maintaining the integrity of their bubble for 21 days is crucial before they travel to Houston on June 11,” Giuliani shared with ESPN. The insistence on these health measures underscores the heightened precautions being taken to ensure a safe and successful tournament.
“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,” Giuliani told ESPN.
“We’ve made it very clear to the Congo government as well that they need to maintain that bubble or they risk not being able to travel to the United States. We cannot be any clearer.”
The warning follows an outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in DR Congo, which has prompted heightened international concern.
Friendlies to continue despite threat
Despite the American stance, the Congolese federation has no intention of changing its pre-tournament schedule.
The team is still expected to face Denmark in Belgium on June 3 before travelling to Spain for a friendly against Chile on June 9.
According to Reuters, a team spokesperson said: “We have kept our training programme. No player in the squad has come from DR Congo. The friendly matches are still scheduled. The only modification to the programme has been the cancellation of the Kinshasa leg.”
The federation argues that the entire squad and coaching staff are Europe-based, reducing the risk of exposure.
WHO raises Ebola risk level
The diplomatic tension intensified after the World Health Organization raised the outbreak risk level to “very high”.
Nearly 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths have reportedly been linked to the outbreak in DR Congo, leading to increased scrutiny from global health authorities.
DR Congo are scheduled to open their World Cup campaign against Portugal on June 17 in Houston before facing Colombia and Uzbekistan in the group stage.
Any decision by US authorities to block the team’s entry could create major disruption for the tournament just weeks before kickoff.