Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has formally requested that FIFA refund the cost of 2026 World Cup tickets purchased by supporters who are now unable to enter the United States because of Ebola‑related travel restrictions. The Leopards are returning to football’s biggest stage for the first time since 1974, but a public health emergency declared by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on 16 May 2026 is threatening to keep their fans away from the tournament. Officials report more than 900 suspected cases of Ebola in central and East Africa, and 223 suspected deaths, since the outbreak was declared. The vast majority of those cases and fatalities have been in DR Congo, prompting the US embassy in Kinshasa to suspend visa services. While the WHO has not advised on imposing travel restrictions, the US has barred entry from non‑Americans who have been in DR Congo, Uganda or South Sudan in the previous 21 days.
The travel ban has left Congolese fans facing severe financial losses, and the country’s football federation, Fecofa, is now seeking relief. “We asked Fifa if this is possible to take this into consideration, because the tickets are a little bit expensive,” Veron Mosengo‑Omba, the president of Fecofa, told BBC Sport Africa. “They are punished because they cannot get [in to the US] to see the World Cup to support their team. We don’t want our supporters who love football, who love the World Cup, to lose everything.” The financial stakes are particularly high because tickets for this tournament are far more expensive than in previous years. The US is co‑hosting the World Cup with Canada and Mexico, and tickets are as much as seven times more costly than those for the 2022 tournament in Qatar, due to FIFA’s dynamic pricing model.
FIFA’s standard policy dictates that tickets are listed for resale or transferred to another individual rather than refunded, reserving the latter option for exceptional circumstances such as match cancellations. In response to Fecofa’s request, FIFA told the BBC that it “will look into it in due course.” The world governing body has also confirmed that it is in “close communication” with Fecofa, the host governments and relevant health agencies to ensure compliance with medical and security protocols. Meanwhile, the Congolese team itself remains unaffected by the US entry restrictions. All 26 players in Sebastien Desabre’s squad, and most of the technical staff, are based outside of DR Congo, and team officials who are from the country have already left to meet the 21‑day quarantine requirement.
The Leopards had to cancel a pre‑tournament training camp in Kinshasa and are assembling in Belgium for friendly matches before heading to their base in Texas. Their opening Group K fixture is against Portugal on 17 June in Houston. Congolese fans hoping to attend that game must effectively depart the country on Tuesday to satisfy the US entry rules. As a result, many supporters are now redirecting their travel plans. The second group match against Colombia will take place in Guadalajara, Mexico, and the bulk of Congolese fans are expected to follow the team there instead. The final group game against Uzbekistan is back in the US, in Atlanta, and supporters are hoping the side can finish second in the group to secure a last‑32 tie in Toronto, Canada.
The Ebola outbreak that has triggered this crisis is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, which was first detected in Uganda in 2007. The mortality rate is estimated at 30‑50 percent, and there are currently no vaccines or specific treatments available. The health emergency has also forced the cancellation of a planned training camp in Kinshasa, complicating the team’s preparations. Despite these challenges, Mosengo‑Omba described the Leopards’ return to the World Cup after a 52‑year absence as “the resurrection of football in this country.” He said people are forgetting their problems as they follow the national team, and he called on the team to advance beyond the group stage.
For the thousands of Congolese fans who have already bought tickets, the uncertainty surrounding their travel is a source of deep frustration. Many of them have invested significant sums of money, hoping to witness a historic moment for their nation. The outcome of Fecofa’s refund request will determine whether they will bear the financial burden alone or receive some form of compensation. FIFA has not yet given a definitive answer, but the pressure is mounting as the tournament draws closer. The 2026 World Cup, which will be the first to feature 48 teams, kicks off on 11 June and will run until 19 July. For DR Congo, a country that has endured decades of conflict and instability, the Leopards’ return to the global stage is a rare moment of national pride. Whether their fans will be there to cheer them on remains to be seen.
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