DR Congo will be allowed to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States despite concerns linked to new Ebola-related travel restrictions introduced by American authorities.
Questions had emerged earlier this week after the United States announced tighter health measures affecting travellers who had recently visited Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan within the previous 21 days due to the Ebola outbreak situation in Central Africa.
However, US officials have now clarified that the Congolese national team, known as the Leopards, will still be authorised to enter the country for the tournament.
According to a United States State Department official quoted by L’Équipe, the situation of the Congolese squad differs from that of ordinary travellers because the team is expected to hold its World Cup preparations in Europe before travelling to the United States.
That arrangement is expected to place the players outside the direct scope of the restrictions currently affecting travellers arriving directly from the affected regions.
Officials also explained that exemptions could still be granted for players or staff members who recently travelled to DR Congo, although strict medical protocols would apply before entry approval.
Those measures include mandatory health testing and potential isolation procedures under US public health regulations.
The exemption will not automatically apply to Congolese supporters travelling independently to the tournament, with fans still required to comply with the normal entry conditions and health measures enforced by American authorities.
For Sébastien Desabre and his squad, the 2026 tournament represents a historic milestone.
The Leopards secured qualification after defeating Jamaica national football team 1-0 in the intercontinental play-off last March, sealing the country’s first World Cup appearance since 1974.
DR Congo are scheduled to be based in Houston during the competition and will face Portugal , Colombia and Uzbekistan in Group K as preparations continue under increased health monitoring.
