World Cup 2026: DR Congo seeks ticket refunds after Ebola outbreak

The US is hosting the World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, with tickets as much as seven times more expensive than the 2022 tournament in Qatar because of Fifa’s dynamic pricing model.

The Leopards face Portugal in their Group K opener on 17 June, meaning any fans travelling from DR Congo to watch the match in Houston must effectively depart the country on Tuesday to satisfy US entry restrictions.

In response to Fecofa’s request, Fifa told the BBC it “will look into it in due course”.

The world governing body’s standard policy dictates tickets are listed for resale or transferred to another individual rather than refunded, reserving the latter option for exceptional circumstances like match cancellations.

DR Congo’s second group fixture against Colombia will take place in Guadalajara, and the bulk of Congolese fans are now expected to redirect their travel plans to Mexico.

With their final match against Uzbekistan back in the US in Atlanta, supporters will be hoping the side can finish second in the group to secure a last-32 tie in Toronto, Canada.

Despite the fan lock-out, the team itself remains unaffected by the US’ entry restrictions.

All 26 players in Sebastien Desabre’s squad, and most of the technical staff, are based outside of the country.

Team officials who are from DR Congo have already left the country to meet the 21-day quarantine requirement.

The Leopards did have to cancel a pre-tournament training camp in Kinshasa and are assembling in Belgium for friendlies before heading to their base in Texas.

Fifa told the BBC it is in “close communication” with Fecofa, World Cup host governments and relevant health agencies to ensure medical and security compliance.