DR Congo Name Strong World Cup Squad Amid US Ebola Travel Restrictions

DR Congo Name Strong World Cup Squad Amid US Ebola Travel Restrictions

By Niyi Busari 

DR Congo head coach Sébastien Desabre has named a strong squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with several players boasting current or former ties to Belgium’s Jupiler Pro League.

The Leopards will return to the World Cup for the first time in 52 years after securing qualification through the intercontinental playoffs, where they defeated Jamaica. However, preparations for the tournament have been overshadowed by fresh public health measures announced by the United States in response to the Ebola outbreak in Central and East Africa.

Among the high-profile names included in Desabre’s squad are captain Chancel Mbemba, former Anderlecht defender, and ex-Manchester United full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Players with strong Belgian football connections also feature prominently, including Rocky Bushiri, Dylan Batubinsika, Noah Sadiki, Théo Bongonda and Joris Kayembe.

Goalkeeper Matthieu Epolo of Standard Liège and KRC Genk defender Kayembe are among the players set to experience the World Cup for the first time. Anderlecht midfielder Mario Stroeykens, however, was left out of the final selection.

DR Congo World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers: Timothy Fayulu (FC Noah), Lionel Mpasi (Le Havre), Matthieu Epolo (Standard Liège)

Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham United), Gedeon Kalulu (Aris), Chancel Mbemba (LOSC Lille), Steve Kapuadi (Widzew Lodz), Axel Tuanzebe (Burnley), Dylan Batubinsika (Larissa), Rocky Bushiri (Hibernian), Arthur Masuaku (RC Lens), Joris Kayembe (KRC Genk)

Midfielders: Samuel Moutoussamy (Atromitos), Ngal’ayel Mukau (LOSC Lille), Gaël Kakuta (Larissa), Charles Pickel (Espanyol), Noah Sadiki (Sunderland), Edo Kayembe (Watford)

Forwards: Théo Bongonda (Spartak Moscow), Nathanaël Mbuku (Montpellier), Cédric Bakambu (Real Betis), Simon Banza (Al-Jazira), Fiston Mayele (Pyramids FC), Brian Cipenga (Castellón), Yoane Wissa (Newcastle United), Meschack Elia (Alanyaspor)

The squad announcement comes amid growing uncertainty surrounding travel arrangements for teams and supporters from Ebola-affected countries.

The United States recently introduced temporary entry restrictions for non-US citizens travelling from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan under Title 42 public health measures. The restrictions were announced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on May 18 following the worsening outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in the region.

The measures, initially set for 30 days, include enhanced airport screening, public health monitoring and temporary entry limitations for foreign nationals who recently travelled through affected countries.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, citing more than 300 suspected cases and at least 80 deaths. Health experts remain concerned because the Bundibugyo strain currently has no approved vaccine or specific treatment.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup scheduled to begin on June 11 across the United States, Canada and Mexico, uncertainty remains over whether exemptions or special health protocols will be granted for players, officials and supporters from affected nations.

Despite the concerns, DR Congo have already opened a training camp in Houston, Texas, as Desabre continues preparations for the tournament. The Leopards have been drawn in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan as they prepare for their long-awaited return to football’s biggest stage.