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DR Congo National Football Team Arrives in Houston After Completing 21-Day Quarantine
The squad reached the United States on June 11 after completing required isolation measures linked to an Ebola outbreak. It will open Group K play against Portugal on June 17.
Jun 11, 10:11 PM·1m read2 sources
France 24Audio version
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The DR Congo national football team arrived in the United States on June 11, 2026, after completing the required quarantine. The players landed at Houston’s Omni Hotel the same day after flying from Paris. U.S. soil due to an Ebola outbreak that occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo last month.
The team had relocated its pre-tournament camp to Belgium after canceling plans to train inside the country.
Coach Sébastien Desabre, 49, stated that the squad adapted to the changed circumstances. “We adapted to the situation,” he said. “We had to focus, as we have had to adapt often. That is what we did. We worked well, we played two tough friendlies and here we are.
DR Congo qualified for its first FIFA World Cup since competing as Zaire in 1974. Desabre stated the team hopes to deliver a strong showing at the tournament. “We already had the honor of qualifying for the finals,” he said.
Desabre stated the team hopes to bring pleasure to supporters back home. “It has been a while since the people have seen the team at the World Cup,” said the Frenchman.
He noted that people back home need to be patient regarding the team’s World Cup appearance. The squad will remain based in Houston throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Its opening Group K match is scheduled for June 17, 2026, against Portugal in Houston.
DR Congo is scheduled to face Colombia on June 23, 2026, in Guadalajara, Mexico, and to face Uzbekistan on June 28, 2026, in Atlanta.
