The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has officially requested that FIFA reimburse its fans for the 2026 World Cup tickets, as they are now unable to enter the United States due to health restrictions related to the Ebola outbreak.
For the first time since 1974, the Leopards will return to the world's premier football competition. However, this historic qualification risks being overshadowed by the health crisis affecting Central and East Africa.
Since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on May 16, US authorities have suspended entry to the country for anyone who has been in the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan in the past 21 days.
More than 900 suspected cases of Ebola reported
According to health authorities, more than 900 suspected cases of Ebola and 223 potential deaths have been reported since the start of the outbreak. The majority of infections are in the DRC.
