Full Breakdown
DRC Football Team Sticks to World Cup Preparations Despite US Isolation Warning
5/23/2026, 8:56:44 PM
DRC Maintains Training and Travel Plans
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) football team has confirmed it will not change its training and travel plans for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite a United States warning that the delegation must observe a 21-day isolation before entering United States because of Ebola outbreak in the DRC.
WHO Raises Ebola Risk to “Very High”
The World Health Organization (WHO) raised the risk of Bundibugyo strain Ebola in the DRC to “very high” and declared the outbreak in the DRC and neighboring Uganda an emergency of international concern, noting nearly 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths.
Training Schedule and US Isolation Directive
White House Task Force director Andrew Giuliani warned the DRC in early May that a 21-day isolation was required. The schedule includes friendlies against Denmark (June 3, Liège) and Chile (June 9, Cádiz), followed by Group K matches: Portugal (June 17, Houston), Colombia (June 23, Guadalajara) and Uzbekistan (June 27, Atlanta). The earliest arrival in Houston under the U.S. directive is June 11.
Official Statements Summarized
White House Task Force director Andrew Giuliani reiterated that the DRC must maintain its training bubble for 21 days or face denial of entry to the United States. A DRC spokesperson said the training programme remains unchanged, all players are based outside the DRC and none have recently returned from the country.
Team’s Opposition to US Isolation Requirement
The DRC delegation’s refusal to alter its schedule, including the cancellation of a planned Kinshasa send-off, directly opposes U.S. health precaution and signals that the 21-day isolation is deemed infeasible for its timeline.
Outbreak Statistics and Match Schedule
The outbreak accounts for 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths. In Group K the DRC will face Portugal (June 17, Houston), Colombia (June 23, Guadalajara), Uzbekistan (June 27, Atlanta); friendlies are scheduled against Denmark (June 3, Liège) and Chile (June 9, Cádiz).
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’ve been very clear to Congo that they should maintain the integrity of their bubble for 21 days before they can then come to Houston on June 11,” — Andrew Giuliani, Executive Director, White House Task Force
- “We've made it very clear to the Congo government as well that they need to maintain that bubble or they risk not being able to travel to the United States. We cannot be any clearer.” — Andrew Giuliani
- “We have kept our training programme. No player in the squad has come from DR Congo,” — DRC team spokesperson
- “We have kept our training programme.” — DRC team spokesperson
Upcoming Matches and Immigration Checks
The DRC will compete in its three Group K fixtures in June. The team risks denial of entry if the 21-day isolation requirement is not met before its arrival in Houston.
