“The Leopards are ready, they are safe, and the United States will welcome this team,” said the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s ambassador to the United States.
Published May 28, 2026
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Football Federation and FIFA have confirmed that the country’s World Cup squad complies with U.S. regulations related to the Ebola outbreak, clearing the team’s path to the tournament.
Congolese authorities said on Wednesday that the federation (FECOFA) had held discussions with FIFA this week and that the delegation was fully complying with health and safety protocols, including canceling a training camp in Kinshasa and moving preparations overseas.
“We commend FECOFA and FIFA for acting quickly and decisively to make a responsible and rational decision,” Yvette Kapinga Gandu, Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the United States, said in a statement.
“The Leopards are ready and safe. I have no doubt that the United States will embrace this team.”
Team officials said Saturday that preparations will continue as scheduled, despite the U.S. requiring them to complete a 21-day quarantine period before entering the country.
The United States will co-host the World Cup with Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
The World Health Organization last week warned that the risk of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola spreading nationwide is “very high” in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where more than 1,000 suspected cases and 246 deaths have been reported.
Most members of the team are based in Europe, reducing the risk of direct infection, but the staff, who departed from Kinshasa earlier this month, are expected to spend at least 21 days in Europe before traveling for the World Cup, in accordance with U.S. health guidelines.
“The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has done everything in its power to ensure that they arrive in the United States prepared, protected and ready to compete,” said Sports Minister Didier Boudinbou.
Officials also expressed concern for fans who secured tickets to the World Cup but were unable to obtain U.S. visas due to administrative restrictions, adding that they were in discussions with FIFA about possible refunds.
The Congo team, which will play in the World Cup for the first time in 52 years, will be based in Houston, Texas. They open in Group K against Portugal on June 17, then play Colombia on June 23 in Guadalajara and Uzbekistan on June 27 in Atlanta, Georgia.
