DR Congo Reaches U.S. for World Cup After Quarantine Due to Ebola

The national football team of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has arrived in the United States for the World Cup, following a three-week quarantine period in Europe due to an Ebola outbreak in their home nation. The squad landed in the U.S. on Thursday after U.S. authorities required them to complete their isolation in Belgium to ensure safe entry into the tournament.

Head coach Sebastien Desabre expressed optimism about his team’s performance, hoping to uplift the spirits of their fellow citizens affected by the virus. "It has been a while since the people have seen the team at the World Cup," remarked the French coach. "We already had the honour of qualifying for the finals. Now, it is up to us to put up a good showing in this tournament."

This marks DRC’s first World Cup appearance since 1974 when they competed as Zaire. The team had to cancel a planned training camp at home due to the Ebola crisis and instead trained in Belgium. Their preparations faced further disruption when a friendly match against Chile in Spain was scrapped amid health concerns.

“We adapted to the situation,” Desabre stated. “We had to focus, as we have had to adapt often. That is what we did. We worked well, we played two tough friendlies, and here we are. Now, it is another step for us.”

During the tournament, the DRC will be based in Houston, where they will kick off their Group K campaign on June 17 against Portugal. Following that, they will travel to Guadalajara, Mexico, to take on Colombia on June 23, before concluding their group stage in Atlanta against Uzbekistan on June 28.