Congo’s national football team has been forced to cancel a crucial World Cup preparation camp and a planned fan farewell in the capital city, Kinshasa, due to a severe Ebola outbreak in the east of the country.
The decision comes as a rare strain of Ebola, known as Bundibugyo, is believed to have claimed over 130 lives and led to nearly 600 suspected cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the situation a public health emergency of international concern.
Despite the disruption, the team’s World Cup warm-up matches against Denmark in Liege, Belgium, on 3 June and Chile in southern Spain on 9 June will proceed as scheduled, according to team spokesman Jerry Kalemo.
“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 cancelled – the one in Kinshasa,” Kalemo confirmed.
All of the Congo players and the team’s French coach, Sébastien Desabre, are based outside of the central African country with most of them playing in France. Kalemo added that some team staff currently in Congo “are leaving in the next hours.”
Football’s global governing body, Fifa, has acknowledged the situation, stating 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 further emphasised its commitment to a safe tournament, adding: “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, who secured their World Cup spot after winning a play-off tournament in Mexico, are placed in Group K. Their opening fixture is against Portugal in Houston on 17 June.
The Leopards will then face Colombia in Guadalajara on 23 June, followed by Uzbekistan in Atlanta for their final group stage match on 27 June.
This marks Congo’s first World Cup qualification since 1974, when they competed as Zaire, a momentous achievement that sparked widespread national celebration after decades of conflict.
