FIFA monitors Ebola outbreak as DR Congo face World Cup travel ban
World football’s governing body FIFA is closely monitoring an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo that threatens to disrupt the nation’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
Sebastien Desabre’s squad faces major logistical hurdles following a recent United States travel ban imposed on several African nations.
The restriction currently applies to non-Americans arriving from DR Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan in response to the escalating health crisis.
However, the Leopards are still expected to participate in the North American tournament thanks to a planned diplomatic exemption.
Exemptions and safety protocols
A US Department of State official confirmed that authorities are actively working to accommodate the central African team.
“We expect the DRC team to be able to attend the World Cup,” the official told Al Jazeera.
“We’re working to get them into the same protocol for testing in isolation that American citizens returning and permanent residents would be.”
The World Health Organization currently classifies the regional viral risk as high, though it has not declared a broader pandemic emergency.
Official medical figures indicate there have been dozens of confirmed cases, alongside nearly 600 suspected infections and 139 suspected deaths.
FIFA prioritises tournament security
In response to the domestic crisis, the national team has already cancelled a scheduled training camp in the capital city of Kinshasa.
Despite this significant disruption, a team spokesperson insisted that their broader preparation programme is proceeding as planned.
Tournament organisers are leaving nothing to chance regarding the safety of the expanded 48-team competition across the US, Canada, and Mexico.
An official statement confirmed that constant communication is being maintained with the Congolese Football Association to provide all necessary medical guidance.
“FIFA continues to work with all three FIFA World Cup 2026 host countries’ governments… as well as with the World Health Organization, to ensure a safe and secure tournament,” the governing body said.
The statement reiterated that the health of all individuals involved remains the absolute priority ahead of the opening fixtures.