Ebola concerns dominate FECOFA–FIFA talks over DR Congo World Cup preparations

The Fédération Congolaise de Football Association (FECOFA) has held high-level discussions with FIFA over the impact of the Ebola virus outbreak on the country’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to an official statement released by the federation.

The meeting, initiated by FECOFA president Veron Mosengo-Omba, brought together senior federation officials and FIFA representatives to assess potential health risks and logistical disruptions affecting the national team, supporters, and technical staff.

At the centre of the talks was concern over how the epidemic could affect the “Leopards” — DR Congo’s national team — as well as accompanying personnel and fans expected to travel to the tournament.

FECOFA said it has already taken steps to ensure players are not exposed to health risks, stressing that all selected squad members and a large portion of the technical staff are based in Europe and therefore not in direct contact with affected zones.

The federation also confirmed that the team’s original preparation plan — which included a transit through Kinshasa before continuing to Belgium and then the United States — has been revised. The Kinshasa stopover has been cancelled in order to comply with updated health and administrative requirements linked to US regulations.

According to the statement, members of the technical staff who departed Kinshasa for Belgium on 20 May 2026 are expected to remain in Europe for at least 21 days before travelling onward to the United States for the tournament.

Following the discussions, FECOFA and FIFA agreed that both players and staff are in compliance with the sanitary measures imposed by US authorities, with both organisations expressing confidence in the team’s ongoing preparation.

The issue of supporters was also raised during the meeting. FECOFA highlighted the situation of Congolese fans who had purchased World Cup tickets but were unable to secure US visas due to administrative restrictions. FIFA has reportedly agreed to review a proposal from the federation regarding possible refunds for affected supporters.

The talks conclude with both bodies maintaining that DR Congo’s World Cup preparations remain on track, despite the public health and logistical challenges surrounding the outbreak.