Democratic Republic of the Congo football officials have urged FIFA to refund 2026 World Cup tickets for supporters blocked from travelling to the United States because of Ebola-related entry restrictions.
The national team, known as ‘the Leopards’ are set to play at their first World Cup since 1974, but a worsening Ebola outbreak in central and East Africa has led the US to ban entry for non-Americans who have recently been in DR Congo, Uganda or South Sudan.
With visas suspended in Kinshasa and ticket prices significantly higher than previous tournaments, Congo’s football federation (FECOFA) says loyal fans risk losing thousands of dollars despite being unable to attend matches. Many supporters are now expected to redirect travel plans to Mexico, while the national team itself remains unaffected after relocating preparations to Belgium ahead of the tournament.
