DR Congo asks FIFA for World Cup ticket refunds as Ebola travel bans block fans from entering US
Fecofa says supporters should not “lose everything” after buying expensive tickets under FIFA’s dynamic pricing model
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s football federation (Fecofa) has formally requested that FIFA refund World Cup 2026 tickets purchased by Congolese fans who are unable to travel to the United States due to Ebola-related entry restrictions.
The Leopards are set to return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974, but the celebration has been overshadowed by US travel bans targeting travelers from DR Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan — measures imposed to prevent the spread of Ebola. The restrictions have left many supporters unable to enter the US, disrupting travel and accommodation plans already set in motion.
In a statement, Fecofa argued that fans should not be left “to lose everything” after investing heavily in tickets acquired through FIFA’s dynamic pricing model, which saw prices rise based on demand.
FIFA has confirmed it will review the request. However, under standard FIFA ticket policies, refunds are rarely granted; the organization typically encourages resale or transfer of tickets as an alternative.
With the US effectively closed to them, most Congolese fans are now expected to attend matches in Mexico instead, where entry requirements are less restrictive.
The DR Congo national team itself remains unaffected by the travel bans. Players and coaching staff are based abroad, while team officials who are citizens of DR Congo have already left the country to satisfy the 21-day quarantine requirement needed for US entry.
The 2026 World Cup is being hosted across the US, Mexico, and Canada.
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