The United States has laid out strict health and safety measures for the Congo national football team ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup amid concerns over an ongoing Ebola outbreak in the country. Officials have confirmed that Congo’s participation in the tournament will depend on the team following mandatory isolation protocols before travelling for the competition.
Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House task force for the World Cup, stated that Congo is currently facing a serious Ebola outbreak, prompting authorities to take additional precautions to avoid any potential health risks during the global sporting event.
According to Giuliani, the Congo team must remain in isolation for at least 21 days prior to the start of the World Cup. Failure to comply with the protocol could put the nation’s participation in the tournament at risk.
To ensure the squad can safely prepare for the competition, US officials have instructed the Congo Football Federation and the Congo government to keep the team inside a controlled “bubble” environment in Belgium. The team is expected to train there and play two warm-up matches while remaining under strict monitoring.
The decision reflects growing international concern over public health safety during major sporting events, especially when infectious disease outbreaks are involved. Authorities are reportedly working closely with medical experts and football officials to ensure all protocols are followed before the tournament begins.