World Cup 2026: DR Congo’s Participation At Risk Amid Ebola Concerns

World Cup 2026: DR Congo’s Participation At Risk Amid Ebola Concerns

Sampson Adedeji

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) faces uncertainty over its participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to a recent Ebola outbreak in the country, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The DR Congo team is required to remain in isolation for at least 21 days before the tournament, or they risk being barred from competing.

Andrew Giuliani, Executive Director of the White House World Cup Task Force, confirmed the situation, noting the severity of the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo. 

“We have advised the Congo Football Federation and the government to ensure the team remains in a secure ‘bubble’ in Belgium,” Giuliani said.

The team is set to train in Belgium and play two warm-up matches there to meet the isolation and safety requirements ahead of the global tournament. 

FIFA officials are closely monitoring the situation, with Congo’s participation contingent on strict adherence to these protocols.