DRC Football Team Enters U.S. for 2026 World Cup Amid Ebola Concerns
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) national football team entered the United States on June 11, 2026, despite health concerns related to the Ebola outbreak in the country, according to a player quoted by AFP. The team, known as the Léopards, was permitted to bypass quarantine requirements, marking a critical step ahead of their World Cup debut.
Team Enters U.S. Without Quarantine
The DRC squad arrived in Houston on June 11, 2026, from Paris and departed the airport without issues, as confirmed by player Aaron Wan-Bissaka. “No one was denied entry,” Wan-Bissaka told AFP. The team had initially been required to undergo a 21-day isolation period, but this restriction was lifted, allowing them to proceed to their training base in Texas.
Ebola Outbreak Sparks Travel Restrictions
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency in May 2026 after reporting over 500 confirmed cases of Ebola in the DRC, with dozens of fatalities. The outbreak has raised concerns about international travel, particularly for teams participating in global events. However, officials emphasized that none of the players selected for the World Cup reside in the affected regions.
Preparation Challenges and Match Schedule
The DRC team faced disruptions in their preparation, including a canceled training camp in Kinshasa to comply with health protocols. Their final warm-up match against Chile was held in Orléans, France, after the original venue in Spain was abandoned due to local restrictions. The Léopards will open their World Cup campaign against Portugal on June 17 in Houston, followed by matches against Colombia and Uzbekistan.
Historical Context of DRC in the World Cup
This marks the DRC’s first World Cup appearance since 1974, when the team competed under the name Zaïre. The current squad, coached by Sébastien Desabre, secured their spot by defeating Jamaica in a playoff. The team’s journey to the 2026 tournament has been closely watched, with fans hoping for a strong showing on the global stage.