The World Cup delegates are following US Ebola policies, DR Congo has said | World Cup 2026 news

“Leopards are ready, they are safe, and the US embraces this group,” the DRC ambassador to the US says.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and FIFA have confirmed that its World Cup delegates are following the United States’ policies regarding the Ebola epidemic, which has paved the way for the team to compete in the tournament.

Congolese officials said on Wednesday that their association (FECOFA) held talks with FIFA this week and that the delegates are following health and safety measures, including canceling the training camp in Kinshasa and transferring preparations abroad.

“I commend FECOFA and FIFA for moving quickly and carefully to ensure this,” DRC ambassador to the US Yvette Kapinga Ngandu said in a statement.

The Leopards are ready, they are safe, and I have no doubt that the United States will welcome this group.

A team official said on Saturday that preparations would go ahead as planned despite the US requiring people to self-isolate for 21 days before entering the country.

The United States is preparing for the National Committee from June 11 to July 19 with Canada and Mexico.

The World Health Organization last week warned of a “high” risk of the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak spreading across the country in the DRC, with more than 1,000 suspected cases and 246 suspected deaths.

Most of the team members live in Europe, which reduces the risk of direct exposure, while the staff who left Kinshasa earlier this month will spend at least 21 days in Europe before going to the World Cup in line with US health guidelines.

“The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has done everything it can to ensure that they arrive in the United States prepared, protected, and ready to compete,” said Sports Minister Didier Budimbu.

Officials also raised concerns about fans who obtained World Cup tickets but were unable to obtain US visas due to restrictions by officials, adding that negotiations were underway with FIFA regarding refunds.

The Congolese team, which is making its first World Cup appearance in 52 years, is scheduled to be in Houston, Texas. They open their Group K campaign against Portugal on June 17, before facing Colombia in Guadalajara on June 23 and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 27.