World Cup
DR Congo Sticks To World Cup Plans Despite U.S. Ebola Warning
The Democratic Republic of Congo will maintain its World Cup preparations despite a warning from United States authorities that the team could face travel restrictions over the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Central African nation.
Officials of the Congolese national team said on Saturday that there were no plans to alter their training programme ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, even after the White House Task Force for the tournament demanded that the team observe a strict 21-day isolation period before entering the United States.
Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force for the World Cup, told ESPN on Friday that the Congolese delegation must remain inside a controlled training “bubble” in Belgium to safeguard entry into the U.S.
“We’ve been very clear to Congo that they should maintain the integrity of their bubble for 21 days before they can then come to Houston on June 11,” Giuliani said.
“We’ve also made it clear to the Congo government that failure to maintain that bubble could put their travel to the United States at risk.”
Despite the warning, a spokesperson for the Congolese team insisted preparations would continue as planned.
“We have kept our training programme. No player in the squad has come from DR Congo,” the official stated.
The Congolese squad, led by coach Sebastien Desabre, is made up entirely of players based abroad, mostly in Europe. However, a few team officials reportedly travelled from DR Congo to the training camp in Belgium earlier this week.
DR Congo are preparing for their first FIFA World Cup appearance in 52 years and are scheduled to open their Group K campaign against Portugal in Houston on June 17. They will then face Colombia in Guadalajara, Mexico, on June 23 before taking on Uzbekistan in Atlanta four days later.
As part of their preparations, the Congolese team are expected to play friendly matches against Denmark in Liege on June 3 and Chile in Cadiz, Spain, on June 9.
However, a planned three-day visit to Kinshasa next week for a ceremonial farewell has now been cancelled amid growing health concerns.
The World Health Organisation on Friday classified the risk posed by the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in DR Congo as “very high” and declared the outbreak in both DR Congo and neighbouring Uganda an international health emergency.
Health authorities have reported nearly 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths linked to the outbreak.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Uruguay will look to maintain their unbeaten FIFA World Cup record against African opposition when they take on tournament debutants Cabo Verde in a crucial Group H encounter on Sunday.
The two-time world champions face a Cabo Verde side brimming with confidence after the island nation earned a remarkable goalless draw against Spain in their previous outing, one of the biggest results in their football history.
Uruguay have never lost to an African team at the World Cup, recording three victories and two draws in five previous meetings. However, the South Americans know they cannot afford complacency against a Cabo Verde side that has already demonstrated its ability to frustrate established football powers.
For Cabo Verde, the match represents another opportunity to enhance their growing reputation on the global stage. The Blue Sharks impressed observers with their disciplined defensive display against Spain and will be eager to prove that result was no fluke.
Uruguay, meanwhile, will rely on their vast World Cup experience as they seek maximum points and a stronger foothold in the race for a place in the knockout rounds.
With confidence high in both camps, the clash promises to be a fascinating contest between one of football’s traditional giants and one of the tournament’s most inspiring newcomers.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Spain will attempt to strengthen their position in Group H when they face Saudi Arabia in a FIFA World Cup encounter that rekindles memories of their previous meeting two decades ago.
The two nations last met at the World Cup during the 2006 tournament in Germany, when a solitary goal from Juanito secured a 1-0 victory for Spain in Kaiserslautern.
La Roja enter the fixture determined to return to winning ways after being held to a surprise draw by tournament debutants Cabo Verde. The Spanish side will be keen to avoid another setback as the group stage enters a decisive phase.
Saudi Arabia, however, have ambitions of creating history. The Green Falcons are seeking their first World Cup victory against European opposition since their memorable 1-0 triumph over Belgium at the 1994 tournament in the United States.
A positive result would significantly boost Saudi Arabia’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stage while adding another notable chapter to their World Cup story.
With both teams aware of the importance of the fixture, Sunday’s encounter could prove pivotal in shaping the final Group H standings.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois stands on the brink of history as the Red Devils prepare to face Iran in a crucial Group G match at the FIFA World Cup.
The veteran shot-stopper could equal Belgium’s record of 17 World Cup appearances if selected, underlining his status as one of the country’s most enduring and influential players.
Belgium will be looking for a strong performance as they continue their quest for qualification from a competitive group, but they face an Iranian side buoyed by the form of defender-turned-goalscorer Ramin Rezaeian.
Rezaeian has emerged as one of Iran’s most surprising attacking weapons and is aiming to score in a fourth consecutive international match, a feat that would further enhance his growing reputation.
The clash pits Belgium’s experience and pedigree against Iran’s determination and resilience, with both teams fully aware that a positive result could prove decisive in the battle for a place in the knockout rounds.
As the stakes rise in Group G, individual milestones and team ambitions are set to collide in what promises to be an intriguing contest.
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