Deadly Ebola outbreak sparks World Cup fears as FIFA release statement | Football | Sport
FIFA has confirmed it is keeping a close eye on an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo ahead of the upcoming 2026 World Cup, which is now less than a month away. An Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has raised serious doubts over whether Sebastien Desabre’s squad will be able to participate in the summer tournament.
The US recently imposed a travel ban on DR Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan in response to the Ebola outbreak. In an official statement, FIFA said the organisation is, “Aware of and monitoring the situation regarding an Ebola outbreak and is in close communication with the Congo DR Football Association to ensure that the team are made aware of all medical and security guidance.
“FIFA continues to work with all three FIFA World Cup 2026 host countries’ governments, including the US Department of State, CDC and Department of Homeland Security, Mexico’s Secretariat of Health and the Public Health Agency of Canada, as well as with the World Health Organisation, to ensure a safe and secure tournament, as the health of all individuals involved remains FIFA’s priority.”
Currently, the US has prohibited non-Americans who have visited DR Congo, Uganda or South Sudan within the past three weeks from entering the country, owing to the ongoing Ebola outbreak.
Nevertheless, it is understood that DR Congo’s national side will still be permitted to travel to the US through a special travel exemption, despite the ban, according to a Department of State official.
“We expect the DRC team to be able to attend the World Cup,” the official told Al Jazeera.
They added: “We’re working to get them into the same protocol for testing in isolation that American citizens returning and permanent residents would be.”
DR Congo has scrapped its planned training camp in Kinshasa, with a team spokesperson stating that their “preparation program is proceeding as planned.
“Our team’s preparation program is proceeding as planned in Europe and Houston,” a DR Congo spokesperson told Politico.
“It is the Kinshasa leg that has been cancelled due to health restrictions.”
DR Congo secured their place at the World Cup in March, beating Jamaica in extra time during the inter-confederation playoffs. They are set to face Denmark and Chile in warm-up friendlies next month before their tournament opener against Portugal on June 17 in Houston.
Their remaining two group stage encounters will pit them against Colombia and Uzbekistan.
