The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Football Association (FECOFA) has raised serious concerns about the national team’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup following strict travel and health protocols imposed by United States authorities due to an ongoing Ebola outbreak in parts of the country.
Despite successfully qualifying for their first World Cup appearance in 52 years after a dramatic playoff victory over Jamaica the Leopards now face the real possibility of being barred from the tournament due to logistical and health-related barriers rather than on-field performance.
The United States, a co-host of the 2026 World Cup, has mandated that the entire DR Congo delegation must maintain a strict 21-day isolation “bubble” while training in Belgium before entering the country. Failure to comply could result in denial of entry, effectively forcing the team to miss the competition.
FECOFA President Dieudonné Sambi Lumbala expressed frustration: “The Leopards have earned their place on the pitch through skill, resilience, and determination. It is unacceptable that after overcoming strong opponents like Senegal, Nigeria, and Jamaica in qualifying, our participation is now threatened by circumstances outside the game. We urge FIFA, CAF, and the host nations to work with us to find a fair and practical solution that allows DR Congo to compete.”
Key challenges include: Strict 21-day pre-arrival isolation requirements in Belgium. Logistical difficulties affecting player preparation and warm-up matches. Broader travel restrictions on individuals who have recently been in the DRC.
The team is currently based in Europe, with many players drawn from European clubs, and has adjusted its training camp to Belgium in an effort to meet the protocols. However, officials warn that rigid enforcement could disrupt the squad’s readiness ahead of their opening Group K match against Portugal on June 17 in Houston.
The DRC government is actively engaging in diplomatic discussions with FIFA, the United States, and other stakeholders to resolve the impasse and safeguard the team’s historic participation.
FECOFA calls on the global football community to prioritize fairness and the spirit of the World Cup, ensuring that a team that has fought so hard to return to the global stage is not sidelined by health bureaucracy.