Three weeks before the start of the 2026 World Cup, there was uncertainty over the participation of the Democratic Republic of Congo, due to the Ebola epidemic which has hit the country hard since the beginning of May.
According to the latest estimates from Congolese Health Minister Samuel-Roger Kamba on Tuesday, the virus – which causes a very contagious hemorrhagic fever – is already the cause of 131 deaths and 513 suspected cases. Something to worry the United States, the main host country of the competition.
But while the question of the participation of the Leopards had been called into question, everything suggests that they will participate in the international event, according to information from Agence France Presse (AFP). “We expect the DRC team to be able to participate in the World Cup”indicated an American state official, on condition of anonymity.
DR Congo under surveillance
An announcement which comes as Washington announced to strengthen its borders in view of the scale of the Ebola epidemic, strengthening health checks for air travelers coming from hard-hit countries in Africa – Uganda, DR Congo and South Sudan.
If they pass through their country during the last 21 days before entering, the members of the selection will be subject to strict control. The same as any American returning from one of these contaminated territories.
Good news for Sébastien Desabre’s men, whose base camp is in Houston, Texas, who will face Portugal (June 17), Colombia (June 24) and Uzbekistan (June 28) for Group K.
