The Democratic Republic of Congo has suspended its planned pre-World Cup training camp in Kinshasa following the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the eastern part of the country.
Football authorities confirmed that the national team will now continue preparations in Europe instead of holding the scheduled camp in the Congolese capital. Friendly matches against Denmark and Chile are still expected to go ahead as planned.
The decision comes amid growing health concerns after the World Health Organization declared the Ebola outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. Reports indicate that the outbreak has resulted in more than 130 deaths and hundreds of suspected cases.
Officials also cited international travel restrictions as a factor behind the cancellation. Current U.S. public health rules restrict entry for non-citizens who have recently visited DR Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan, prompting the team to adjust its preparations ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Team spokesperson Jerry Kalemo said only the Kinshasa phase of preparations had been cancelled, while the squad’s training programme in Belgium and Spain would continue normally. Most of the players and coaching staff are based outside DR Congo, reducing the immediate impact of the restrictions on the squad.
DR Congo are preparing for their first FIFA World Cup appearance in more than five decades and are expected to arrive in Houston in June ahead of their opening match against Portugal.