The national team of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, known as the DR Congo national football team, is actively preparing for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will take place in the United States and Mexico. Despite concerns regarding the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, a U.S. State Department official confirmed that the Leopards will be allowed to enter U.S. territory. This decision is crucial for the team, which has qualified for the World Cup for the second time in its history, following its participation in 1974.

U.S. authorities had initially announced entry restrictions for travelers who had been in the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan, but players from the DR Congo national football team will benefit from an exemption under certain conditions. They will need to adhere to a strict health protocol, including testing and isolation, to ensure everyone's safety during the tournament.

Currently, the team, led by Sébastien Desabre, is preparing for the tournament in Europe, which may allow them to avoid travel restrictions. The Leopards secured their World Cup spot by defeating Jamaica (1-0) in an intercontinental playoff last March. They will be based in Houston during the tournament and will face high-level teams such as Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan in Group K.

However, supporters of the DR Congo national football team will not receive the same exemption and will have to comply with existing restrictions. This raises concerns about fans' ability to support their team on-site. Despite this, enthusiasm for the DRC's participation in the World Cup is palpable, and the players are determined to make a strong impression on the global stage.