Kinshasa, May 25th, 2026 (CPA).- The Congolese Football Association Federation (Fecofa), in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), briefed the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) during a videoconference meeting on the health measures related to the Ebola virus outbreak taken for the Leopards’ participation in the 2026 World Cup, according to a statement from the national football governing body.
“Fecofa informed FIFA that it had taken all necessary measures to avoid exposing players to risks linked to this epidemic (Ebola virus) and to comply with health protocols as announced by the United States government,” the statement read. The source, consulted Monday by CPA, detailed the circumstances of this bilateral meeting. “At the initiative of the President of the Congolese Football Association Federation (Fecofa), Véron Mosengo Omba, a videoconference meeting was held on Saturday, May 23rd, 2026, between Fecofa’s fourth vice-president and representatives of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) regarding the Ebola virus outbreak and its consequences for the DRC Leopards, their technical staff and supporters expected to accompany them to the 2026 World Cup.” More concretely, all arrangements have been secured for the DRC Leopards, almost all of whom live and play in Europe. “Fecofa specified that all players selected for this World Cup, as well as a large part of the technical staff, live and play in Europe. There is therefore no concern regarding possible contamination.” Just as Fecofa reassured FIFA regarding the players, it also did so concerning the national team staff. “As for members of the technical staff who left Kinshasa for the training camp in Belgium, they departed the country on May 20th, 2026, and will therefore spend at least 21 days in Europe before travelling to the United States for the World Cup.” According to the statement, Fecofa used strong arguments to reassure FIFA.
“Indeed, the President of Fecofa informed FIFA that even the national team, which was initially expected to pass through Kinshasa to begin its training camp before continuing to Belgium and then travelling to the United States, cancelled the Kinshasa stage in order to comply with the newly imposed measures by the United States.” Consequently, at the end of the meeting, both Fecofa and FIFA agreed that the players and technical staff had complied with health measures imposed by the American authorities, and the delegation was encouraged to continue its preparations for the upcoming World Cup.
Reassurance for Congolese ticket holders
After reviewing the Leopards’ situation, the President of Fecofa also raised with FIFA the issue of Congolese supporters who had already purchased match tickets for the World Cup on American soil but were unable to obtain visas due to U.S. administrative provisions. “FIFA committed itself to examining the proposal made by the President of Fecofa for reimbursement procedures.” As understood, Fecofa, having recognised the danger posed to the national team by the Ebola outbreak affecting Ituri, anticipated events and accelerated the departure of Leopards players, who have set up their headquarters in Belgium for preparations. A friendly match is scheduled for June 3rd against Denmark, followed by another on June 9th against Chile in Marbella, Spain.