Three prominent Zambian players competing in the National Women's Soccer League (
The affected athletes include
Impact on NWSL Season and Olympic Qualification
The international duty involved a two-legged qualifying series against Uganda for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The first leg took place in Kampala, a region that reported 20 confirmed cases of Ebola earlier this summer. Although Zambia suffered a 2-1 defeat in the opening match, they secured a 4-1 victory in the second leg, ultimately advancing with a 5-3 aggregate score.
The timing of this travel restriction presents a significant challenge for the respective NWSL clubs. With only two regular-season matches remaining before the start of the playoffs, the absence of these key players comes at a critical juncture in the league schedule. The NWSL has stated that it is actively collaborating with the affected clubs and U.S. immigration authorities to facilitate the players' safe and timely return.
Understanding the Travel Protocols
The U.S. government has implemented a 21-day waiting or quarantine period for travelers who have recently visited specific regions, including Uganda, the Congo, and South Sudan, as a precautionary measure against the spread of Ebola. The current outbreak, which originated in a remote area of eastern Congo in mid-May, has resulted in a significant number of cases and fatalities according to regional health ministry reports. The situation remains fluid, with neighboring countries like Kenya also reporting imported cases linked to the outbreak.
