Ebola restrictions may complicate Congo's arrival in Houston for World Cup
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New Ebola-related travel restrictions could complicate the Democratic Republic of Congo team's arrival in Houston for the 2026 World Cup.
Why it matters: Congo's national team is scheduled to arrive in Houston, the team's base camp, ahead of its June 17 World Cup opener against Portugal.
Driving the news: The Trump administration announced travel restrictions Monday for Congo, Uganda and South Sudan amid an Ebola outbreak.
- Congo has reported 30 cases so far, World Health Organization director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Monday.
State of play: The restrictions last for 30 days, through June 17.
What they're saying: "FIFA is aware of and monitoring the situation regarding an Ebola outbreak and is in close communication with the Congo DR Football Association to ensure that the team are made aware of all medical and security guidance," the association tells Axios in a statement.
- FIFA says it's working with the host countries' governments, including the CDC and the Department of Homeland Security, to ensure "a safe and secure tournament."
- "The health of all individuals involved remains FIFA's priority."
The fine print: The CDC's order allows the Department of Homeland Security to let into the U.S. certain non-U.S. citizens from the three countries as long as they meet security requirements and undergo the CDC's "appropriate mitigation protocols."
The big picture: The current outbreak has been identified as the rare Bundibugyo strain, which has no vaccine and is located in a populated, mobile and conflict-stricken part of the world.
- There are more than 500 suspected cases and 130 suspected deaths, Tedros said. One American working in Congo tested positive and is being taken to Germany for treatment, the CDC confirmed Monday.
- The World Health Organization has deemed the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.
Reality check: The risk to the American public remains low, according to the CDC.
What's next: After its opener in Houston, Congo will face Colombia in Guadalajara, Mexico, on June 23, and then Uzbekistan in Atlanta on June 27.