Story perspectives

U.S. Allows DR Congo World Cup Team Amid Ebola Ban

5/21/2026

Summary

USA Admits Congo

United States will admit DR Congo team for 2026 World Cup despite a CDC Ebola ban.
The CDC bans travelers from the DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan for 21 days, ending June 17, 2026.
The team lands in Houston June 11 and opens June 17 against Portugal at SaberCats Stadium.
WHO reports 130-139 deaths and up to 600 suspected Ebola cases, with host committee president Chris Canetti saying plans are unchanged.

Summary

Mosengo-Omba Elected

Véron Mosengo-Omba was elected president of the DRC football federation (Fecofa) with 60 of 65 votes.
Yoane Wissa (Newcastle forward), Noah Sadiki (Sunderland midfielder) and Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham full-back) are in 26-man World Cup squad.
After Rocky Bushiri withdrew with a suspected Achilles injury, Aaron Tshibola of Kilmarnock replaced him.
The U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa has suspended visa services, and holders must show a 21-day gap from outbreak zones.

History

Historical Context

When the WHO declared the West African Ebola epidemic an emergency on 8 August 2014, the U.S. CDC imposed a 21-day travel ban after an outbreak that infected 28,616 people in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Later, FIFA allowed the Democratic Republic of Congo to play a 2026 World Cup qualifier against the United States, sparking renewed debate over health safeguards in sport.

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USA Admits Congo

United States will admit DR Congo team for 2026 World Cup despite a CDC Ebola ban.
The CDC bans travelers from the DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan for 21 days, ending June 17, 2026.
The team lands in Houston June 11 and opens June 17 against Portugal at SaberCats Stadium.
WHO reports 130-139 deaths and up to 600 suspected Ebola cases, with host committee president Chris Canetti saying plans are unchanged.

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