Ebola overshadows World Cup as DRC placed under health watch

Less than a month before the start of the 2026 World Cup, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) national team has been stumped by another Ebola outbreak. As a result, the Congolese Federation has had to halt their preparation programme for the World Cup. In the interest of public safety, both FIFA and US health authorities are closely monitoring the situation. On 17 May, the  World Health Organisation declared the Ebola outbreak a public health emergency.

Ebola put preparations on hold

Reuters reported that due to the threat of transmission, the team had to cancel the preparatory camp and farewell ceremony scheduled in the DRC capital, Kinshasa. Instead, these preparations will be held in Belgium to mitigate the risks. This change ensures the team can play in this year’s World Cup — the largest yet.

US authorities have adopted stringent health measures and advised people travelling from the DRC and Uganda to reconsider non essential travel. The measures they have adopted include special monitoring and examinations of anyone that has visited the two countries in the last 21 days. 

The latest strain — otherwise known as “Bondibogio” — is responsible for more than 130 deaths and 600 suspected cases so far, according to the WHO.

DRC matches to go ahead as planned

For now, the team’s World Cup preparations will resume in Belgium, as they prepare for the scheduled matches against Denmark and Chile. Houston will be the team’s next pitstop which will host the team throughout the tournament.

The Houston Chronicle revealed that local authorities are coordinating with FIFA and national health authorities, developing special protocols applied during the Congolese national team’s stay. These measures also hope to allay public fears and prevent a state of panic and commotion during World Cup activities.

Despite these concerns, health experts suggest the chances of the virus spreading in the US are negligible — emphasising the effectiveness of newly developed preventive measures.

The crisis carries additional dimensions for the DRC national team, preparing to participate in its first World Cup since the 1974. They’ll be playing in a group that includes Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan, and despite complex health and logistical challenges testing their resolve, the team will no doubt give it their best shot.

Featured image via Michel Lunanga/Getty Images