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DR Congo supporters face US entry ban over Ebola outbreak
The Democratic Republic of Congo's football federation has urged FIFA to refund tickets purchased by fans unable to attend the 2026 World Cup in the United States due to travel restrictions linked to the Ebola virus.
Health emergency disrupts travel plans
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency on May 16 after more than 900 suspected Ebola cases and 223 deaths were reported in central and East Africa. Most infections have occurred in DR Congo, prompting the US embassy in Kinshasa to suspend visa services.
While the WHO has not recommended travel bans, the US has barred non-citizens who have visited DR Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan within the past 21 days. This rule effectively prevents Congolese fans from attending matches in the US, including DR Congo's Group K opener against Portugal in Houston on June 17.
Federation seeks FIFA refund for stranded fans
Veron Mosengo-Omba, president of DR Congo's football federation (Fecofa), told BBC Sport Africa that the federation has asked FIFA to consider refunds for affected supporters. "The tickets are expensive, and fans are being punished for circumstances beyond their control," he said. "We don't want them to lose everything."
FIFA's standard policy allows tickets to be resold or transferred but not refunded, except in cases like match cancellations. The organization told the BBC it would "look into" the request in due course.
Logistical hurdles for fans and team
With US entry restrictions in place, most Congolese supporters are expected to redirect their travel plans to Mexico, where DR Congo will face Colombia in Guadalajara. The team's final group match against Uzbekistan returns to the US in Atlanta, raising hopes that a second-place finish could secure a knockout-stage tie in Toronto, Canada.
The DR Congo squad itself remains unaffected by the travel ban. All 26 players and most technical staff are based outside the country, while officials from DR Congo have already left to meet the 21-day quarantine requirement. The team canceled a pre-tournament training camp in Kinshasa and will assemble in Belgium for friendlies before heading to Texas.
Ebola outbreak complicates World Cup return
This year's Ebola outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain, has no available vaccine, making containment difficult. Armed conflict and community distrust in eastern DR Congo have further hindered response efforts. Despite these challenges, Mosengo-Omba dismissed fears of widespread transmission, calling them "ignorance about this disease."
"The country in the world that knows how to fight this disease is DR Congo because we have faced it many times. The world doesn't need to be afraid."
Veron Mosengo-Omba, Fecofa President
DR Congo's return to the World Cup after 52 years marks a historic moment for the nation, which last competed in 1974 as Zaire. Mosengo-Omba, elected Fecofa president this month, called the team's qualification a "resurrection of football in this country."
What's next
FIFA said it is in "close communication" with Fecofa, host governments, and health agencies to ensure compliance with medical and security protocols. Meanwhile, fans and officials hope the outbreak's impact on the tournament will be minimal.
