Despite Ebola outbreak, DR Congo cleared to play at 2026 World Cup in the United States and Mexico | OneFootball

Despite an Ebola outbreak in Central Africa and tighter US health rules, DR Congo will be allowed to compete at the 2026 World Cup in the United States and Mexico.

A US State Department official confirmed on Tuesday that the Leopards would be granted entry despite the new measures, and said the squad are preparing in Europe, which could keep them outside the scope of the ban. Any players who had recently been in the DRC would be exempt if they followed strict testing and isolation protocols.

On Monday, US authorities announced an entry ban for foreign travellers who had been in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo or South Sudan within the previous 21 days to limit Ebola risks.

The exemption will not apply to Congolese supporters, who remain subject to the usual restrictions.

DR Congo qualified for only the second World Cup in their history after 1974, beating Jamaica 1-0 in an intercontinental play-off in March.

Sébastien Desabre’s side will be based in Houston during the tournament and face Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan in Group K.

Source: L'Équipe