DR Congo arrive in the US for the World Cup after Ebola quarantine

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) squad arrived in the United States on Thursday for the World Cup, following a 21-day quarantine period in Belgium imposed by US authorities due to an Ebola outbreak in their home country. The team flew from Paris and will now prepare for the tournament.

Head coach Sebastien Desabre expressed hope that his team would perform well and bring joy to their compatriots struggling with the virus. “It has been a while since the people have seen the team at the World Cup. We already had the honour of qualifying for the finals. Now, it is up to us to put up a good showing in this tournament,” the Frenchman said.

The DRC qualified for their first World Cup since 1974, when they participated as Zaire. They canceled a planned pre-tournament training camp at home due to the Ebola outbreak and instead based themselves in Belgium. A planned friendly match against Chile in Spain was also canceled over virus fears.

“We adapted to the situation. 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. Now, it is another step for us,” Desabre added.

During the World Cup, the DRC will be based in Houston. Their first Group K match is on June 17 against Portugal. They will then travel to Guadalajara, Mexico, to face Colombia on June 23, and later play Uzbekistan in Atlanta on June 28.