**Published: May 23, 2026**  

**By: Nigeria TV Info**

The United States has announced that members of the **Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo)** national football team must complete a mandatory isolation period before arriving for the **2026 FIFA World Cup**, following concerns linked to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in parts of Central Africa. 0

According to reports, U.S. authorities informed the Congolese delegation that players and officials must remain in a controlled **21-day isolation bubble** while training in Belgium before entering the United States. Officials warned that failure to comply with the health measure could put the team’s World Cup participation at risk. 1

The directive comes as global health concerns grow over the Ebola outbreak affecting the **Democratic Republic of Congo**, with international agencies closely monitoring developments. U.S. officials say the health precautions are aimed at protecting players, fans, and the host country during the tournament. 2

Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force for the World Cup, reportedly stated that the Congolese squad must maintain strict isolation protocols ahead of their scheduled arrival in Houston, Texas, where the team is expected to begin its World Cup campaign. 3

Despite the warning, reports indicate that DR Congo has no immediate plans to significantly alter its preparations, although a planned training camp in Kinshasa was reportedly canceled as a precaution. The team is still expected to play warm-up matches in Europe before traveling to the United States. 4

The situation has drawn international attention as the world prepares for the FIFA World Cup, with health and security remaining a major priority for tournament organizers and participating nations.