Congo Could Miss World Cup Over 21-Day Isolation Requirement

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House World Cup Task Force, has stated that the Democratic Republic of the Congo national football team must undergo a 21-day isolation period or risk being denied entry to the United States for the tournament, according to ESPN.

He said the U.S. side has informed FIFA, the Congolese national team, and the government of Congo about the requirement to follow a strict “bubble” protocol during preparations while the team is currently based in Belgium.

Giuliani noted that the team must remain in isolation for 21 days prior to arriving in Houston on June 11, otherwise there is a risk of disqualification from participation.

He emphasized that the United States places high importance on health and safety measures related to hosting the tournament.

According to the statement, part of the team staff previously located in Congo has left the country, while all players and head coach Stéphane Desabre are currently based abroad, mainly in France.

Giuliani also mentioned monitoring measures by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including the possible deployment of specialists to Belgium.

It was reported that a rare Ebola strain (Bundibugyo) was recently detected in Congo, with the World Health Organization declaring it a public health emergency of international concern.

The Congo national team is scheduled to play friendly matches against Denmark and Chile before the tournament. In the World Cup, the team is placed in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan.