The DR Congo national football team arrived in Houston on June 11 after completing a 21-day quarantine related to an Ebola outbreak in their home country [1, 2, 3]. This marks their first World Cup appearance since 1974.
The team had originally planned to hold a pre-World Cup training camp in DR Congo, but the Ebola outbreak in May forced them to cancel and relocate their preparations to Belgium [1, 2, 3]. Coach Sebastien Desabre said, "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." [1]
The squad arrived in the US on a flight from Paris and will base in Houston during the tournament [1, 2, 3]. They play in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan. Their first match is against Portugal on June 17 in Houston, followed by a June 23 game versus Colombia in Guadalajara, Mexico, and a June 28 match against Uzbekistan in Atlanta [1, 2, 3].
Desabre expressed hope for a strong performance amid the difficult situation back home: "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." [3] He also said, "I hope my team can bring some pleasure to their beleaguered compatriots." [2]
The team's arrival closes a challenging buildup disrupted by public health concerns but sets the stage for their World Cup campaign starting with their match against Portugal on June 17 in Houston [1, 2, 3].
