Noah goalkeeper’s national team may miss the 2026 World Cup due to Ebola outbreak

The national team of the Democratic Republic of Congo has found itself in a difficult situation ahead of the start of the 2026 World Cup. The team, which includes Yerevan-based Noah goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu, may face problems entering the United States due to a new outbreak of the Ebola virus in Central Africa.

According to ESPN, DR Congo’s players and delegation members have been instructed to undergo a strict 21-day isolation period before entering the United States. The national team is currently in Belgium, where it is preparing for the tournament. Earlier, the team was forced to cancel a training camp in Kinshasa and a farewell event at home because of the epidemiological situation.

Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House task force for World Cup preparations, told ESPN that the DR Congo national team must maintain the so-called “bubble” throughout the entire isolation period. If the rules are violated, the team risks being denied permission to enter the United States.

“They have to maintain that bubble, or they risk not being able to enter the United States. We could not be clearer,” Giuliani said.

The situation is linked to restrictions introduced by U.S. authorities. Under current CDC rules, U.S. entry restrictions apply to foreign nationals who have been in DR Congo, Uganda or South Sudan during the previous 21 days.

For Armenian fans, the story is of particular interest because of Timothy Fayulu. The DR Congo national team goalkeeper plays for reigning Armenian champions Noah and was previously included in the national team’s squad for the World Cup. Fayulu joined the Yerevan club on loan from Swiss side Sion.

If the DR Congo national team fails to comply with the isolation requirements, its participation in the World Cup could be put at risk. The team is scheduled to arrive in Houston on June 11 and play its opening match of the tournament on June 17 against Portugal.