DR Congo seek FIFA ticket refunds after Ebola outbreak threatens World Cup travel

The Democratic Republic of Congo has asked FIFA to refund 2026 World Cup tickets bought by supporters unable to travel to the United States because of Ebola-related entry restrictions, raising concerns over fan access, public health controls and the tournament’s African representation.

KINSHASA, DR Congo —
The Democratic Republic of Congo has asked FIFA to refund 2026 World Cup tickets purchased by supporters who are now unable to travel to the United States because of Ebola-related entry restrictions imposed during the latest outbreak in Central Africa. The request comes as DR Congo prepares to return to football’s biggest stage for the first time since 1974, but public health measures linked to the Ebola outbreak risk preventing thousands of supporters from attending matches hosted in the United States.

Officials said more than 900 suspected Ebola cases and over 220 suspected deaths had been recorded across Central and East Africa since the outbreak was declared earlier this month, with the majority linked to DR Congo. The United States has suspended entry for non-Americans who have recently travelled through DR Congo, Uganda or South Sudan, although the World Health Organization has not formally recommended international travel restrictions.

DR Congo federation seeks supporter compensation

Veron Mosengo-Omba, president of the Congolese football federation (Fecofa), said the organisation had appealed to FIFA to consider refunds for supporters affected by the restrictions. “We asked FIFA if this is possible to take this into consideration, because the tickets are a little bit expensive,” Mosengo-Omba said in comments reported by BBC Sport Africa.

“They are punished because they cannot get into the US to see the World Cup to support their team.” FIFA told broadcasters it would review the request, although the organisation’s standard policy generally prioritises ticket resale or transfer rather than refunds except in exceptional circumstances.

World Cup return overshadowed by health crisis

The Leopards qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 52 years, marking a historic moment for Congolese football. DR Congo will play Portugal and Uzbekistan in the United States and Colombia in Mexico during the group stage. Because of the travel restrictions, many Congolese supporters are now expected to redirect their travel plans to Mexico instead.

The team itself remains largely unaffected because most players and technical staff are based outside DR Congo and have already adjusted travel arrangements to satisfy quarantine requirements. However, officials confirmed the squad had to cancel a planned pre-tournament training camp in Kinshasa before relocating preparations to Belgium.

Ebola outbreak raises wider concerns

The latest outbreak has intensified international concern because it involves the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which no approved vaccine is currently available. Health officials have also warned that armed conflict, community mistrust and large-scale displacement in eastern DR Congo could complicate containment efforts.

Mosengo-Omba urged the international community not to stigmatise Congolese citizens because of the outbreak. “Some people are thinking Ebola is genetic,” he said. “It’s ignorance about this disease.” “The world doesn’t need to be afraid.”

Economic and tournament implications emerge

The issue has also reignited debate over how international sporting events handle public health emergencies and cross-border travel restrictions. The United States, Canada and Mexico are jointly hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the largest edition of the tournament in history.

Supporters from several African nations had already expressed concerns over visa access, rising accommodation costs and FIFA’s dynamic ticket pricing system before the Ebola outbreak further complicated travel planning. Analysts said prolonged uncertainty surrounding travel restrictions could affect fan attendance, tourism spending and perceptions of accessibility for supporters from lower-income nations. Despite the disruption, Congolese football authorities said preparations for the tournament would continue. “This is the resurrection of football in this country,” Mosengo-Omba said.

Source: BBC Sport Africa