World Cup 2026: DR Congo appeals for return of ticket after Ebola outbreak

The US is hosting the World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, and tickets are seven times more expensive than the 2022 tournament in Qatar because of FIFA’s pricing model.

The Leopards face Portugal in their Group K opener on June 17, meaning any fans traveling from DRC to watch the game in Houston will effectively have to leave the country on Tuesday to satisfy US entry restrictions.

“We will look into the matter in due course,” FIFA told the BBC in response to a request from FIFA.

The world governing body’s standard policy dictates that tickets be listed for resale or transferred to another individual rather than refunded, reserving the last option for exceptional circumstances such as match cancellations.

Democratic Republic of Congo’s second group game against Colombia will take place in Guadalajara, and most Congolese fans are expected to turn their travel plans to Mexico.

Their final match against Uzbekistan in Atlanta will see the team hope to finish second in the group to secure a last 32 victory in Toronto, Canada.

Despite the fan lockout, the team itself is unaffected by US entry restrictions.

All 26 players Sebastien Desabre Group, And most of the technical staff are based abroad.

Team leaders from the Democratic Republic of Congo have left the country to meet the 21-day quarantine requirements.

The Tigers had to Cancel the pre-tournament training camp in Kinshasa And before heading to their base in Texas, they’re gathering for a friendly in Belgium.

FIFA told the BBC it was in “close contact” with FIFA, World Cup host nations and relevant health agencies to ensure medical and safety compliance.