The United States tells the Democratic Republic of Congo’s men’s national football team to isolate for 21 days before entering the country for the World Cup. Multiple outlets report that the team is based in Belgium and is required to remain there in a controlled “bubble” setting, with permission to travel to the tournament in the US tied to completing the isolation period. A White House-related World Cup official conveys the guidance, citing an Ebola outbreak in the DRC.
The reporting also notes that Congo’s pre-World Cup plans are disrupted: the team cancels a training camp in Kinshasa and instead continues preparations from Belgium. Some coverage describes related health measures affecting events in Europe, including a Spanish mayor cancelling a pre-tournament friendly involving Congo and Chile because of Ebola fears.
Other accounts say the broader US entry policy focuses on recent travel to countries affected by Ebola, with non-citizens who have visited parts of the region in the past 21 days subject to restrictions and screening. Despite the rules, the team is reported to be set to take part in the World Cup in the US, including matches scheduled in Houston and later in the tournament.
