Congo World Cup Squad to Isolate Due to Ebola Concerns

The Congo World Cup squad is required to isolate for 21 days before entering the United States due to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Andrew Giuliani, the Executive Director of the White House Task Force, stated that U.S. officials have informed FIFA about this requirement.

The Congolese national team, currently training in Belgium, must maintain their "bubble" to minimize risk. Giuliani highlighted that the team cannot travel to the U.S. unless they adhere to these safety protocols.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has reported 82 confirmed Ebola cases and seven deaths, with almost 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths attributed to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola. The World Cup, which Congo has qualified for, will take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, marking the second time the tournament is hosted in these countries since 1974.

The Congolese team is set to play their first group match against Portugal on June 17.