‘The Leopards are prepared, they’re secure, and the US will embrace this group,’ DRC’s ambassador to the US says.
Printed On 28 Might 2026
The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) soccer federation and FIFA have confirmed that its World Cup delegation is compliant with United States protocols associated to the Ebola outbreak, clearing the way in which for the group to compete within the match.
Congolese authorities stated on Wednesday their federation (FECOFA) had held talks with FIFA this week and that the delegation was now totally compliant with well being and security protocols, together with cancelling a coaching camp in Kinshasa and relocating preparations overseas.
“I applaud FECOFA and FIFA for shifting swiftly and decisively to make this accountable, cheap dedication,” DRC Ambassador to the US Yvette Kapinga Ngandu stated in an announcement.
“The Leopards are prepared, they’re secure, and I’ve little doubt that the US will embrace this group.”
A group official had stated on Saturday that preparations would proceed as deliberate regardless of a US requirement for people to finish a 21-day isolation interval earlier than coming into the nation.
The US is cohosting the June 11 to July 19 World Cup with Canada and Mexico.
The World Well being Group final week warned of a “very excessive” danger of the Bundibugyo pressure of Ebola spreading nationally within the DRC, with greater than 1,000 suspected instances and 246 suspected deaths reported to this point.
Most members of the squad are based mostly in Europe, decreasing the chance of direct publicity, whereas employees members who departed Kinshasa earlier this month will full at the least 21 days in Europe earlier than travelling for the World Cup consistent with US well being tips.
“The federal government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has executed the whole lot in its energy to make sure they arrive in the US ready, protected, and able to compete,” Sports activities Minister Didier Budimbu stated.
Officers additionally raised considerations about followers who secured World Cup tickets however have been unable to acquire US visas because of administrative restrictions, including that discussions have been beneath means with FIFA over attainable refunds.
The Congolese group, showing of their first World Cup in 52 years, are set to be based mostly in Houston, Texas. They open their Group Ok marketing campaign towards Portugal on June 17, earlier than going through Colombia in Guadalajara on June 23 and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 27.
