DR Congo Arrives in US for World Cup After Ebola Quarantine

AI Summary

The Democratic Republic of Congo's squad has arrived in the US for the World Cup after a three-week quarantine in Europe due to an Ebola outbreak in their home country. The team will be based in Houston and play their first Group K match against Portugal on June 17.

The Quarantine and Arrival

The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) squad have finally arrived in the United States for the World Cup, after they were forced to spend three weeks isolating in Europe due to an Ebola outbreak in their home country.

The squad arrived on a flight from Paris on Thursday after US authorities insisted they serve the quarantine period in Belgium or risk being denied entry for the tournament.

World Cup Preparations

Head coach Sebastien Desabre said he hoped his team would put up a “good showing” and bring some pleasure to their beleaguered compatriots who are dealing with an outbreak of the virus.

“It has been a while since the people have seen the team at the World Cup,” said the Frenchman.

“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.”

Upcoming Matches

DRC – who have qualified for their first World Cup since they featured in the 1974 edition as Zaire – will be based in Houston during the competition, where they will play their first Group K match on June 17 against Portugal.

June 17: vs Portugal in Houston
June 23: vs Colombia in Guadalajara, Mexico
June 28: vs Uzbekistan in Atlanta