DRC Football Team Isolated Over Ebola Fears Ahead of World Cup in the U.S

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has disrupted the country’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

DRC’s national football team must now isolate in Belgium for 21 days before traveling to the United States for the tournament.

Officials warned that failure to follow the strict measures could prevent the team from entering the country.

Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force for the World Cup, confirmed the restrictions in an interview with ESPN.

“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 said.

“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,” he added.

The team is currently training in Belgium after canceling its original training camp in Kinshasa because of the outbreak.

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Ebola Outbreak Raises Health Concerns

DRC recently confirmed an outbreak of the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola. Reports indicate that more than 130 people have died, while nearly 600 suspected cases have been recorded.

The United States has emphasized strict health precautions ahead of the World Cup to prevent diseases from crossing borders during the global tournament.

Also Read:India, African Union Postpone New Delhi Summit Over Ebola Outbreak

DRC Relocates Training Camp to Europe

Most members of DRC national team already play professional football in Europe. This made it easier for the squad to relocate its preparations outside Africa.

French head coach Sebastien Desabre and his players are staying in Belgium as part of the isolation plan.

The squad includes several well-known players such as defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka of West Ham United, forward Yoane Wissa of Newcastle United, and team captain Chancel Mbemba of Lille.

World Cup Fixtures Confirmed

DRC is placed in Group K for the tournament in North America.

The team is scheduled to face Portugal on June 17 in Houston, Colombia on June 23 in Guadalajara, Mexico, and Uzbekistan on June 27 in Atlanta.

Before the World Cup begins, DRC will play friendly matches against Denmark in Liege on June 3 and Chile in southern Spain on June 9 as part of their preparations.

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FIFA World Cup Trophy
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