Story perspectives

DRC Leopards Shift Training to Belgium, Houston Amid Ebola Ban

5/23/2026

Summary

Leopards Relocate Training

The Football Association of the Democratic Republic of Congo revised the World Cup preparation schedule after an Ebola outbreak triggered a U.S. 30-day entry ban on recent travelers from the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan.
The Leopards cancelled their domestic camp, moved training to Belgium, and will base in Houston from 11 June.
Andrew Giuliani said the squad must isolate for 21 days before the tournament.

Summary

Trump appoints Giuliani

President Donald Trump appointed Andrew Giuliani, son of former NYC mayor Rudy Giuliani, to head White House World Cup health-protocol task force.
The Congolese squad, featuring Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Yoane Wissa, marks second World Cup entry, first since 1974 as Zaire, ending a 52-year absence.
CDC officials in Europe are monitoring two quarantined American doctors after Ebola exposure while discussing sending staff to Belgium to check the Congolese delegation.

History

Historical Context

In August 2014 the Ebola outbreak that began in Guinea spread to Liberia and Sierra Leone, prompting the WHO on 8 August to declare a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Within weeks dozens of African states—including Ghana, Ivory Coast and South Africa—banned air travel from the three affected countries, and the UN Security Council in September labeled the crisis a threat to international peace.

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Leopards Relocate Training

The Football Association of the Democratic Republic of Congo revised the World Cup preparation schedule after an Ebola outbreak triggered a U.S. 30-day entry ban on recent travelers from the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan.
The Leopards cancelled their domestic camp, moved training to Belgium, and will base in Houston from 11 June.
Andrew Giuliani said the squad must isolate for 21 days before the tournament.

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