The worsening Ebola outbreak in Central and East Africa has emerged as the latest obstacle for African football fans hoping to attend the 2026 Fifa World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Already battling high visa rejection rates, expensive flights and strict immigration scrutiny, supporters from several African nations now face an additional challenge of health-related travel restrictions that could derail long-held World Cup dreams.
The biggest concern surrounds the Democratic Republic of the Congo, whose return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974 has been overshadowed by an outbreak that has triggered international alarm and tighter border controls.
Travel barriers grow
The United States has imposed restrictions on travellers who have recently visited DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan following the spread of Ebola in the region.
Under the measures, non-citizens who have been in the affected countries within the last 21 days face enhanced screening requirements or possible denial of entry. The restrictions followed the World Health Organisation’s declaration of the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Countries that have tightened Ebola-related travel controls so far include the United States, Canada, Bahamas, Bahrain, Jordan and Thailand. Kenya and Mexico have also strengthened airport surveillance measures, while Uganda temporarily restricted movement along parts of its border with DR Congo.
The move has sparked anxiety among football fans, especially Congolese fans eager to witness their country’s first World Cup appearance in more than five decades.
Seeking alternatives
Some fans are already reorganising their travel plans to avoid disruptions caused by the restrictions.
Clive Kyazze, a journalist with Sanyu FM, is preparing for his second Fifa World Cup assignment after covering Qatar 2022.
To comply with the American health restrictions, Kyazze will leave Uganda for Tanzania before proceeding to the United Kingdom and eventually the United States. The arrangement allows him to complete the required 21 days outside Uganda before entering America.
His revised itinerary means he will miss the opening week of the tournament.
‘I won’t be affected much. The tournament will just be starting with more group stage games to cover, Round of 32, Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals and final,’ Kyazze said.
‘But also my coverage officially starts with my 21-day countdown on Monday.’
His case reflects the growing logistical burden facing African travellers as they attempt to navigate health regulations while still securing access to football’s biggest event.
Millions expected
While Fifa has not released exact projections for African attendance, tourism analysts estimate that between 250,000 and 400,000 African fans could travel to North America for the expanded 48-team tournament.
Africa will have 10 representatives at the World Cup for the first time after DR Congo secured qualification through the intercontinental playoffs earlier this year.
Countries with large travelling football communities such as Nigeria, Morocco, Senegal, Ghana, Egypt and DR Congo are expected to contribute the biggest numbers of supporters.
Morocco’s historic semifinal run at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar also inspired growing confidence among African fans about travelling in larger numbers to global tournaments.
More than just Ebola
For many African fans, the Ebola restrictions compound an already difficult journey to the World Cup.
Obtaining a US visa remains one of the biggest challenges. Fans from countries such as Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana and Cameroon often face long appointment waiting periods, expensive processing fees and high rejection rates.
Many applicants are required to prove strong financial standing, employment stability and compelling reasons to return home after the tournament.
Travel costs are another major concern. Return air tickets from East and Central Africa to the United States during the World Cup period are expected to exceed $2,000 (about Shs7m), excluding accommodation, match tickets and domestic travel across North America.
The Ebola outbreak is also affecting teams themselves. Reports indicate that DR Congo’s national team has already adjusted parts of its World Cup preparation plans to avoid quarantine complications and possible entry delays into the United States.
Health experts insist Ebola does not spread through the air and that the risk to ordinary spectators remains relatively low. However, the fear generated by the outbreak combined with strict immigration systems may still keep many African fans away from the world’s biggest football stage.
Opening fixtures for African teams
June 11: S. Africa vs Mexico, Mexico City
June 13: Morocco vs Brazil, New Jersey
June 14: Côte d’Ivoire vs Ecuador, Philadelphia
June 14: Tunisia vs Sweden, Monterrey
June 15: Cape Verde vs Spain, Atlanta
June 15: Egypt vs Belgium, Seattle
June 16: Senegal vs France, New Jersey
June 16: Algeria vs Argentina, Kansas City
June 17: Ghana vs Panama, Toronto
June 17: DR Congo vs Portugal, Houston