DR Congo Seeks FIFA Refunds for 2026 World Cup Fans Barred by US Ebola Rules
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · May 26
DR Congo Seeks FIFA Refunds for 2026 World Cup Fans Barred by US Ebola Rules
9 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 26
Fecofa asked FIFA to refund 2026 World Cup tickets bought by DR Congo fans who can no longer enter the United States after Ebola-related restrictions and a US visa-service suspension in Kinshasa.
More than 900 suspected Ebola cases and 223 suspected deaths have been reported in central and East Africa since the WHO declared a public health emergency on May 16, with most cases in DR Congo.
US rules bar non-Americans who have been in DR Congo, Uganda or South Sudan within the previous 21 days, leaving supporters for the June 17 opener against Portugal in Houston effectively needing to leave DR Congo by Tuesday.
FIFA said it will review the request, but its standard policy favors resale or ticket transfers over refunds except in exceptional cases such as match cancellations.
The team remains eligible because all 26 players are based outside DR Congo; many fans are now expected to switch plans to the Mexico match against Colombia, while the outbreak threatens to overshadow the country's first World Cup since 1974.
After a 52-year wait, DR Congo's team made the World Cup. What happens to the fans left behind?
With the WHO advising against travel bans, why did the US choose to block World Cup fans?
An Ebola strain without a vaccine blocked fans. Is this the future for global events during health crises?
DR Congo’s World Cup Return Blocked by Ebola Travel Bans: Thousands of Fans Face Financial Loss, Emotional Toll, and FIFA Refund Uncertainty
Overview
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s long-awaited return to the World Cup has been overshadowed by an Ebola outbreak, which led to strict travel restrictions. These measures directly impacted the nation’s passionate football fans, who were not only barred from traveling but also missed a planned celebratory send-off with the team and President Félix Tshisekedi. The cancellation of this event deprived supporters of a rare chance to connect with their heroes, deepening the emotional toll. As a result, what should have been a moment of national pride has turned into disappointment and frustration for many Congolese fans.