The U.S. State Department has granted an exception to the Democratic Republic of Congo's national football team, allowing them to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite existing entry restrictions due to the Ebola outbreak. This was reported by Al Jazeera and Match TV.

Previously, the U.S. regime banned entry to foreigners who had been in DR Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan within the last 21 days due to Ebola risks. However, a special exemption was made for the national team.

The State Department explained that the team is currently training in Europe, so most players may not be subject to the sanitary restrictions. If players have recently been in DR Congo, they will undergo enhanced medical screening, including testing and possible quarantine.

It was emphasized that the exception applies only to players and the official delegation. Ordinary fans from Congo remain subject to the entry ban.

As of May 19, over 513 Ebola cases have been reported in DR Congo, with 131 deaths.

At the 2026 World Cup, DR Congo will play in Group K alongside Uzbekistan, Portugal, and Colombia. Their first match is scheduled for June 17 in Texas against Portugal.

Head coach Sebastien Desabre stated that the team's preparation continues in Europe and Houston, while the training camp in Kinshasa was canceled due to sanitary restrictions. FIFA said it remains in close contact with health authorities and football officials in DR Congo.

Source: podrobno.uz