DR Congo reaches U.S. for World Cup 2026 after Ebola quarantine delay
The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) squad has finally arrived in the United States for the World Cup after being forced to spend three weeks in isolation in Europe due to an Ebola outbreak in their home country, Qazinform News Agency reports, citing Al Jazeera.
The squad arrived on Thursday by flight from Paris after US authorities insisted they complete the quarantine period in Belgium or risk being denied entry to the tournament.
Head coach Sebastien Desabre said he hoped his team would put up a “good showing” and bring some pleasure to their beleaguered compatriots, who are dealing with a virus outbreak.
“It has been a while since the people have seen the team at the World Cup,” said the head coach.
DR Congo – which qualified for its first World Cup since featuring in the 1974 edition as Zaire – canceled a planned pre-World Cup training camp at home after the country was hit by the Ebola outbreak last month and instead based itself in Belgium.
The team’s World Cup preparations were further thrown into chaos when a planned warm-up match against Chile in Spain was canceled due to fears of the virus’s spread.
Can’t post to Instagram so y’all get the exclusive look at @FecofaRdc’s arrival drip 🐆🔥 pic.twitter.com/WXWQpMO0t9
— FIFA World Cup 26 Houston™ (@FWC26Houston) June 12, 2026
Desabre said that they had adapted to the situation and had to stay focused, noting that they had often needed to adjust. He added that they had worked well, played two tough friendlies, and had now arrived, calling it the team's next step.
“We already had the honour of qualifying for the finals. Now, it is up to us to put up a good showing in this tournament,” he added.
They are to be based in Houston during the competition, where they will play their first Group K match on June 17 against Portugal.
DR Congo is then scheduled to head to Guadalajara, Mexico, to face Colombia on June 23, before playing Uzbekistan in Atlanta on June 28.
Earlier, Qazinform News Agency reported that the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) had confirmed 635 Ebola cases as of June 9, according to Health Minister Roger Kamba.
