World Cup 2026: DR Congo Reacts To Ebola Crisis

World Cup 2026: DR Congo Reacts To Ebola Crisis

Sampson Adedeji

The Democratic Republic of Congo Football Federation (FECOFA) under the leadership of Veron Mosengo Omba has reacted to concerns surrounding the Ebola outbreak affecting the country ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

In an official statement released by the federation, FECOFA confirmed that a videoconference meeting was held on Saturday, March 23, 2026, involving FIFA representatives, the federation president and the fourth vice-president to discuss the Ebola epidemic and its possible implications for the DR Congo national team, the Leopards, their technical crew and supporters expected to travel to the United States for the tournament.

According to the statement, FECOFA assured FIFA that all necessary preventive measures had been taken to protect the players and officials from any exposure to the virus while also complying with the health protocols introduced by the United States authorities.

The federation further explained that the majority of the players selected for the World Cup, alongside most members of the technical staff, are based in Europe, reducing concerns over possible infection risks.

FECOFA also disclosed that the Leopards had initially planned to begin their pre-World Cup training camp in Kinshasa before moving to Belgium and later the United States. 

However, the Kinshasa phase of the camping programme has now been cancelled in line with the newly introduced travel and health measures by the American government.

The statement added that members of the technical crew who departed Kinshasa for Belgium on May 20, 2026, will spend at least 21 days in Europe before proceeding to the United States for the World Cup competition.

Following the discussions, both FECOFA and FIFA reportedly agreed that the players and technical staff had complied with the health regulations imposed by the American authorities and should continue their preparations for the forthcoming tournament without disruption.

FECOFA president Veron Mosengo Omba also raised concerns over Congolese supporters who had already purchased tickets for the World Cup matches but were unable to secure visas due to administrative regulations in the United States.

The federation stated that FIFA has pledged to examine FECOFA’s proposal regarding possible refunds for affected supporters.