Congo’s World Cup Plans Face Challenges Amid Ebola Outbreak
Congo is facing hurdles in its preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 due to new health regulations imposed by the United States. This comes in response to a recent Ebola outbreak in the country.
Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House Task Force for the World Cup, announced that the Congolese team must stay in a controlled isolation bubble in Belgium for 21 days before traveling to the U.S. He emphasized that maintaining this isolation is vital for the team’s entry into the United States.
“We’ve made it very clear to Congo that they need to keep that bubble intact, or they may not be able to travel,” Giuliani stated.
The decision follows the confirmation of an outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in Congo, where over 130 deaths and nearly 600 suspected cases have been reported.
Giuliani stressed the administration’s commitment to public health and safety during the World Cup, saying, “We want to ensure that nothing harmful is introduced near our borders.”
Congo is placed in Group K for the World Cup, with their first match against Portugal set for June 17 in Houston. The team will then play against Colombia in Guadalajara on June 23, followed by a match against Uzbekistan in Atlanta on June 27.
In light of the Ebola outbreak, Congo has moved its training efforts outside the country, canceling a planned camp in Kinshasa for a training base in Belgium. The team has scheduled a friendly match against Denmark in Liege on June 3 and another against Chile in southern Spain on June 9.
Most of the Congolese players currently play outside the country, many in European leagues. Notable players include West Ham’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Yoane Wissa from Newcastle United. Chancel Mbemba, the team captain, plays for Lille in France. The squad’s preparations are ongoing under strict health guidelines as they work towards the World Cup.
Published by Amar Panicker on May 23, 2026.
