The Democratic Republic of the Congo has officially arrived in the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after completing a mandatory 21-day Ebola quarantine in Belgium, clearing the way for the Leopards’ long-awaited return to football’s biggest stage.
The Congolese squad landed in Houston, Texas, on June 11 after traveling from Paris, France, and is now based at the Omni Houston Hotel ahead of its opening match of the tournament.
The quarantine was imposed by U.S. authorities following the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the DRC, forcing the national team to alter its World Cup preparations. A planned training camp in Kinshasa was cancelled, with the squad instead relocating to Belgium to complete its preparations. A scheduled friendly against Chile in Spain was also called off amid health and safety concerns linked to the outbreak.
Head coach Sébastien Desabre said the team hopes to provide a source of pride and inspiration for Congolese citizens affected by the health crisis back home.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks a historic milestone for the Leopards, who are making their first appearance at the tournament since 1974, when the nation competed under the name Zaire. Their qualification ends a 52-year absence from the global showpiece.
DR Congo begins its Group K campaign against Portugal national football team in Houston on June 17 before traveling to Guadalajara to face Colombia national football team on June 23. The Leopards will conclude the group stage against Uzbekistan national football team in Atlanta on June 28.
For a nation balancing the excitement of a World Cup return with the realities of a public health emergency, the Leopards now carry both sporting ambitions and the hopes of millions of Congolese supporters.
