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DRC faces travel restrictions ahead of World Cup debut

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 12, 2026, 2:09 PM

Last updated Jun 12, 2026

DRC faces travel restrictions ahead of World Cup debut

Summary

The Democratic Republic of Congo's sports minister Didier Budimbu criticized US Ebola travel restrictions that delayed his entry into the country ahead of the World Cup. The first World Cup appearance for DRC in 52 years has been hampered by quarantines and limited supporter attendance. Budimbu expressed confusion over the relocation of a warm-up match against Chile, which was cancelled in Spain due to Ebola concerns. The national team, arriving from Europe, underwent temperature screenings and adjusted preparations to minimize exposure risks. DRC's plan to bring 300 fans from Kinshasa has been reduced, relying more on Congolese supporters abroad.

Source Links

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Status Watch

•DR Congo's World Cup plans face disruption due to US Ebola restrictions.
•Team recently arrived in the US after training in Europe.
•Warm-up match against Chile was cancelled in Spain over Ebola concerns.
•Government plans to send 300 fans have been scaled back significantly.
•Most players compete in European leagues and have been abroad recently.

Latest Updates

2:09 PMYahoo Sports — DRC minister says US Ebola rules are disrupting its World Cup return

What they're saying

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The country’s first World Cup appearance in 52 years has been complicated by travel restrictions and limits on supporters heading to the tournament.
— Yahoo Sports

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