Omanghana
The Democratic Republic of the Congo national football team has officially canceled its planned three-day training camp and public farewell event in Kinshasa as concerns grow over the escalating Ebola outbreak affecting parts of central and eastern Africa.
The decision was announced on May 20, 2026, by the Congolese Association Football Federation (FECOFA) after health authorities warned against large public gatherings amid the expanding outbreak.
Officials said the move followed the declaration by the World Health Organization that the current Bundibugyo strain Ebola outbreak constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. Health agencies report that the outbreak has already resulted in nearly 600 suspected infections and more than 130 deaths within the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Team spokesperson Jerry Kalemo stated that the cancellation only affects the Kinshasa-based farewell activities originally planned before the squad’s departure for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He added that remaining domestic staff members are now being evacuated from the country immediately to reduce potential exposure risks and avoid future travel complications.
Because the majority of the squad’s players — along with head coach Sébastien Desabre — are based overseas, primarily in France and the Premier League, the national team will now complete its entire World Cup preparation program outside the DRC.
The Leopards will begin their revised preparation schedule in Belgium, where they are set to face Denmark national football team in an international friendly in Liège on June 3, 2026.
The squad will then move to Spain for a second warm-up match against Chile national football team scheduled for June 9 in southern Spain.
On June 11, the team is expected to travel to Houston to establish its official tournament base at SaberCats Stadium ahead of the World Cup.
Despite the recent 30-day travel restrictions imposed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on non-citizens arriving from the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan, officials say the Congolese national team’s World Cup participation remains unaffected.
Under current exemption procedures, the squad is expected to avoid complications because players and staff will have remained outside the affected countries for more than 21 days before entering the United States.
FIFA confirmed it is coordinating closely with the United States Department of State and Mexico’s health authorities to ensure all required medical screening and entry protocols are followed ahead of the tournament.
The upcoming competition will mark the Leopards’ first appearance at the FIFA World Cup since 1974, when the country competed internationally under the name Zaire.
The DRC is scheduled to open its campaign against Portugal national football team on June 17 at NRG Stadium in Houston. The team will then face Colombia national football team on June 23 at Akron Stadium in Guadalajara before concluding the group stage against Uzbekistan national football team on June 27 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Source: Omanghana
