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The 2026 World Cup is facing another unexpected challenge just 22 days before the tournament kicks off. After geopolitical tensions cast doubt on Iran's participation, attention has now shifted to the Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to official data, the epidemic has so far caused 134 deaths and over 500 suspected cases, raising international concern. The World Health Organization has declared the situation a health emergency of global importance.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the organization is "deeply concerned about the scale and speed of the epidemic," noting that there is still no approved vaccine or treatment for the current variant of the virus.
In its response, FIFA announced that it is constantly monitoring the situation and is collaborating with the Football Federation of the Democratic Republic of Congo to ensure that all health and safety protocols are respected.
" We are closely following developments and will remain in constant communication with the Congolese Federation to ensure that the team is informed of all directives ," FIFA said in a statement.
For now, the Democratic Republic of Congo's participation in the World Cup is not considered in jeopardy. The team, which is in Group K with Colombia, Portugal and Uzbekistan, is expected to arrive in the United States on June 11, according to the scheduled schedule.
Chris Canetti, part of the tournament's Organizing Committee, told USA Today that there are no changes to the plan.
" We are following the recommendations of FIFA and health authorities. There is currently no change to the plans for the team's arrival ," he said.
Meanwhile, US authorities and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have imposed temporary travel restrictions on people who have been in Ebola-affected areas.
A spokesperson for the US State Department stated that the implementation of isolation, testing, and monitoring protocols is being considered for the Congolese delegation, in line with the measures that apply to US citizens and permanent residents returning from high-risk areas.
However, the DR Congo national team players are not expected to be directly affected by these measures, as all the players gathered by coach Sebastien Desabre are active in the European championships. Among them are Cedric Bakambu, Charles Pickel, Chancel Mbemba and Arthur Masuaku.
Despite the health alert, World Cup organizers remain optimistic that the tournament will take place as planned, while security measures are expected to be stricter for delegations and travelers coming from affected areas.
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