World Cup 2026: DR Congo ask FIFA for refund over Ebola crisis

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has appealed to FIFA to refund World Cup tickets purchased by supporters who are now unable to travel to the United States because of Ebola-related entry restrictions.

The request comes as DR Congo prepares for its first FIFA World Cup appearance in 52 years, with excitement among fans overshadowed by growing travel challenges linked to the disease outbreak.

Following the World Health Organization’s declaration of Ebola as a public health emergency on 16 May, several travel measures were introduced.

The US also suspended visa services in Kinshasa and restricted entry for non-citizens who recently visited DR Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan.

President of DR Congo’s football federation (Fecofa), Veron Mosengo-Omba, said fans should not lose money because they are unable to travel.

He explained that many supporters spent heavily on World Cup tickets and hoped FIFA would consider refunds in this exceptional situation.

FIFA told the BBC it would review the request. Normally, its policy allows ticket holders to resell or transfer tickets instead of receiving refunds unless special circumstances apply.

DR Congo’s first group match is against Portugal in Houston on 17 June. Supporters travelling from DR Congo would need to leave early enough to meet US entry rules.

Because of the restrictions, many Congolese fans are now expected to focus on attending the team’s second group game in Guadalajara, Mexico.

The team itself will not be affected because most players and staff live outside DR Congo. Officials based in DR Congo had already travelled out of the country to meet the required waiting period.

The team also moved its pre-tournament preparations from Kinshasa to Belgium before travelling to Texas.

DR Congo last played at the World Cup in 1974 when the country was called Zaire. Football officials say the team’s return after 52 years is a major moment for the country.

Meanwhile, health officials continue efforts to contain the latest Ebola outbreak, which involves the rare Bundibugyo strain and has been harder to manage due to insecurity and population displacement in affected areas.