LunagisthubWorld Cup 2026: US Orders DR Congo Squad Into 21-Day Isolation Over Ebola Outbreak
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s World Cup team faces strict US entry rules due to an Ebola outbreak back home. Every player and staff member must complete a 21-day isolation bubble before they can travel to the United States for the tournament.
Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force for the World Cup, confirmed the mandate on Friday. The entire Congolese delegation must remain in a controlled bubble at their training base in Belgium for three weeks prior to arrival.
“We’ve been very clear to Congo that they should maintain the integrity of their bubble for 21 days before they can then come to Houston on June 11,” Giuliani told ESPN. “We cannot be any clearer.”
If the bubble breaks, the team risks being denied entry into the US. Giuliani stressed that the US government has communicated directly with the Congo government: no bubble, no travel.
DRC is drawn in Group K for the first-ever 48-team World Cup across the US, Mexico, and Canada. Their fixtures:
The squad plans to arrive in Houston on June 11, just six days before their opener against Portugal.
Most of the DRC squad, including French head coach Sebastien Desabre, live and play outside the central African country. Key European-based players include:
Aaron Wan-Bissaka– West Ham United defender
Yoane Wissa- Newcastle United forward
Chancel Mbemba- Lille captain
Even though these players are based in Europe and not in the outbreak zone, the 21-day bubble rule applies to the entire delegation. The US says it will not compromise on health measures linked to the tournament.
The DRC is currently dealing with a deadly Ebola outbreak. The 21-day period matches Ebola’s maximum incubation period. By requiring isolation in Belgium, US officials aim to ensure no team member develops symptoms before entering the country.
This is the first time a World Cup squad has faced such specific public health restrictions tied to a domestic outbreak.
DR Congo’s road to World Cup 2026 just got tougher. The team must lock down in Belgium for three weeks or risk missing their opening game in Houston. For a squad full of European pros, the rule underscores how seriously the US is taking tournament biosecurity.
Lunagisthub
