The Democratic Republic of Congo’s national soccer team has scrapped its planned three-day training camp and public farewell event in Kinshasa due to health concerns stemming from an Ebola outbreak affecting the eastern regions of the country.
The team will relocate its preparation activities following an outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which health officials believe has resulted in more than 130 deaths and nearly 600 suspected infections.
The World Health Organization has classified the situation as a public health emergency of international concern.
The team’s upcoming exhibition matches remain unchanged, with games against Denmark set for June 3 in Liege, Belgium, and Chile scheduled for June 9 in southern Spain. Team spokesman Jerry Kalemo confirmed to The Associated Press on Wednesday that both fixtures will proceed as originally planned.
“There were three stages of preparation: in Kinshasa to say goodbye to the public, Belgium and Spain with two friendly matches against Denmark in Liege and Chile in Spain, and the third stage from June 11 in Houston, United States. Only one stage was canceled – the one in Kinshasa,” Kalemo said.
The entire roster and French coach Sébastien Desabre are currently residing outside the central African nation, with the majority of players competing professionally in France.
Team personnel who remain in Congo “are leaving in the next hours,” Kalemo said.
FIFA released a statement acknowledging its awareness of the health crisis, saying “it is aware of and monitoring the situation regarding an Ebola outbreak and is in close communication with the Congo DR Football Association to ensure that the team are made aware of all medical and security guidance.
“FIFA continues to work with all three FIFA World Cup 2026 host countries’ governments, including the US Department of State, CDC and Department of Homeland Security, Mexico’s Secretariat of Health and the Public Health Agency of Canada, as well as with the World Health Organization, to ensure a safe and secure tournament, as the health of all individuals involved remains FIFA’s priority.”
Congo secured its World Cup spot by winning a playoff tournament in Mexico and has been placed in Group K. The team will open tournament play against Portugal in Houston on June 17.
The Leopards will then meet Colombia in Guadalajara on June 23 before concluding group stage action against Uzbekistan in Atlanta on June 27.
This marks Congo’s first World Cup appearance since 1974, when the nation competed under the name Zaire, leading to widespread celebration throughout the country that has endured decades of armed conflict.
