Congo must isolate 21 days or miss World Cup, U.S. warns

The Democratic Republic of Congo's national football team must maintain a strict 21-day isolation bubble in Belgium or risk being barred from entering the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House Task Force for the World Cup.

U.S. Delivers Clear Warning

Giuliani told ESPN on Friday that the United States has communicated directly with FIFA, the Congolese national team, and the Congolese government about the requirement. "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 11th," Giuliani said. "We've made it very clear to the Congo government as well, that they need to maintain that bubble or they risk not being able to travel to the United States. We cannot be any clearer."africa.espn

The ultimatum comes days after the CDC and the Department of Homeland Security implemented a 30-day entry ban on all non-U.S. passport holders who have been in Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan within the previous 21 days. The restrictions, enacted on May 18, target the ongoing Ebola outbreak caused by a rare Bundibugyo strain for which no vaccine currently exists.bbc+2

Ebola Outbreak Forces Training Camp Cancellation

Congo's team had already cancelled its pre-World Cup training camp in the capital Kinshasa due to the outbreak, relocating preparations to Belgium. The World Health Organization declared the outbreak a "public health emergency of international concern," reporting nearly 600 suspected cases and at least 139 suspected deaths as of last week, though Congolese health officials have put the death toll higher at 159.globalnews+1

The CDC has assessed the immediate risk to the general U.S. public as low. Health experts have noted that Ebola spreads through close contact with infected individuals' bodily fluids, meaning the risk to World Cup fans is minimal.cdc+1

Historic Appearance Hangs in the Balance

Congo qualified for its first World Cup appearance since 1974, making the logistical challenge of meeting U.S. entry requirements all the more consequential. The team's players are currently based outside the country following club matches in Europe, and the squad is set to assemble in Belgium for warmup games before their scheduled arrival in Houston.politico+1

Whether the Leopards can maintain the required isolation protocol for the full 21-day incubation period of the virus will determine if the team takes part in what would be a landmark tournament appearance.