The Democratic Republic of Congo said its national football federation and FIFA had confirmed its World Cup delegation is compliant with U.S. protocols related to the Ebola outbreak, ​clearing the way for the team to compete at the tournament.

A team official ‌had said on Saturday that preparations would continue as planned despite a U.S. requirement for individuals to complete a 21-day isolation period before entering the country.

The United States is co-hosting the June 11 to July ​19 World Cup with Canada and Mexico.

The World Health Organisation last week warned of ​a “very high” risk of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola spreading nationally in ⁠the DRC, with more than 1,000 suspected cases and 246 suspected deaths reported until ​now.

Congolese authorities said their federation (FECOFA) had held talks with FIFA this week and that the delegation ​was now fully compliant with health and safety protocols, including cancelling a training camp in Kinshasa and relocating preparations abroad.

“I applaud FECOFA and FIFA for moving swiftly and decisively to make this responsible, reasonable determination,” ​DRC Ambassador to the United States Yvette Kapinga Ngandu said in a statement on ​Wednesday.

“The Leopards are ready, they are safe, and I have no doubt that the United States will embrace ‌this ⁠team.”

Reuters has contacted FIFA for comment.

Most members of the squad are based in Europe, reducing the risk of direct exposure, while staff members who departed Kinshasa earlier this month will complete at least 21 days in Europe before travelling to the U.S. in line with U.S. ​health guidelines.

“The government of ​the Democratic Republic ⁠of Congo has done everything in its power to ensure they arrive in the United States prepared, protected, and ready to compete,” Sports ​Minister Didier Budimbu said.

Officials also raised concerns about fans who secured ​World Cup ⁠tickets but have been unable to obtain U.S. visas due to administrative restrictions, adding that discussions were underway with FIFA over possible refunds.

The Congolese team, appearing at their first World Cup ⁠in ​52 years, are set to be based in Houston. ​They open their Group K campaign against Portugal on June 17, before facing Colombia in Guadalajara on June 23 ​and Uzbekistan in Atlanta on June 27.

JOIN THE SPORTS VILLAGE SQUARE CHANNEL:

https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

Brazil’s World Cup preparations were jolted on Wednesday as Neymar missed the national team’s first training session to undergo medical tests, leaving his place ​in the squad hanging in the balance.

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed the 34-year-old ‌forward, who is recovering from an injury in his right calf, did not take part in the closed session at their facilities in Granja Comary and was referred to a private clinic in ​Teresopolis for imaging tests.

In a statement, the CBF said “no further information will be ​released until the Brazilian national team’s medical staff have completed their ⁠assessments”, but Neymar’s absence quickly became the dominant storyline on the second day of ​Brazil’s training camp for the 2026 World Cup.

Brazil will hold three further sessions at Granja ​Comary before Sunday’s friendly against Panama at the Maracana.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti is already without three players for that fixture. Defenders Gabriel Magalhaes and Marquinhos, along with forward Gabriel Martinelli, are involved in Saturday’s ​Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.

Neymar’s recall last week generated widespread excitement because ​he had not featured in Ancelotti’s plans during the Italian’s year in charge.

Brazil’s all-time leading scorer ‌with 79 ⁠goals in 128 appearances, Neymar has not played for his country since 2023. His return to the fold came amid scrutiny over his fitness and form following years of injury trouble and an underwhelming spell back at Santos.

The timing could hardly be more ​delicate. After facing Panama, ​Brazil meet Egypt ⁠in Cleveland in their final friendly before opening their World Cup campaign against African champions Morocco on June 13 in New ​Jersey. Brazil and Morocco have been drawn in Group C alongside ​Haiti and ⁠Scotland.

In an interview with Reuters in early May, Ancelotti made clear that reputation alone would not secure Neymar’s place.

He said that Neymar would receive no special treatment and that his place ⁠in ​the squad would be strictly based on fitness and ​form, not sentiment.

For now, Brazil wait on the medical verdict — and on whether their most recognisable name will ​be fit to take centre stage next month.

JOIN THE SPORTS VILLAGE SQUARE CHANNEL:

https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

By Kunle Solaja.

Nigerian-descent striker Folarin Balogun will represent the United States at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being named in the Americans’ final 26-man squad for the tournament on home soil.

Balogun, who was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Nigerian parents, is one of three recognised strikers selected by head coach Mauricio Pochettino for the competition alongside Ricardo Pepi and Haji Wright.

The AS Monaco forward has rapidly become one of the key figures in the American attack since switching international allegiance from England to the United States. His pace, movement and finishing ability are expected to play a major role as the co-hosts seek an impressive run at the tournament.

Balogun’s inclusion further highlights the growing multicultural character of the U.S. national team, which also features players with African, European and Latin American heritage.

The United States squad will be led by AC Milan star Christian Pulisic, while Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams and Juventus’ Weston McKennie are expected to provide leadership and experience in midfield.

Also included in the squad is Tim Weah, son of former Liberian president and African football icon George Weah.

The Americans have assembled a balanced squad featuring players from top European leagues as well as Major League Soccer clubs, with Pochettino banking on youthful energy and tournament experience.

Among the goalkeepers selected are Matt Turner, Matt Freese and Chris Brady.

The defensive unit includes Chris Richards, Tim Ream and Fulham fullback Antonee Robinson.

Creative support for Balogun in attack will come from players such as Gio Reyna, Brenden Aaronson and Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Malik Tillman.

The United States, co-hosting the World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, are hoping home support and a talented generation of players can help them challenge the traditional global powers.

JOIN THE SPORTS VILLAGE SQUARE CHANNEL:

https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H