The Democratic Republic of Congo’s national football team has been granted entry into the United States to participate in the 2026 World Cup, following concerns regarding a recent Ebola outbreak. Initially facing a 21-day isolation period, the team arrived in Houston, Texas, on Thursday without issue, according to player Aaron Wan-Bissaka. This clearance comes after a preparatory match against Chile, played behind closed doors in France, was relocated due to similar Ebola-related anxieties in Spain. The DRC government emphasized that none of the called-up players are currently based in the country, mitigating some risk. The World Health Organization has declared an international health alert due to the outbreak, which has seen over 500 confirmed cases and dozens of deaths. The team cancelled a planned training session in Kinshasa to adhere to health recommendations.