The outbreak of Ebola virus disease has significantly disrupted preparations for the Democratic Republic of the Congo ahead of the World Cup, with the planned training camp in Kinshasa cancelled after the spread of the infection within the country. The World Health Organization (World Health Organization) has declared the situation a “public health emergency”.
According to BBC-reported figures cited in the original report, the outbreak has resulted in 139 deaths, while the total number of confirmed cases has exceeded 600. The health situation has also raised broader concerns across the region.
In response to the outbreak, DR Congo has relocated its World Cup preparations to Belgium. The team will now conduct its training camp there and has adjusted its pre-tournament schedule accordingly. The side is scheduled to play a friendly match against Denmark on 3 June, followed by another preparatory fixture against Spain on 9 June.
DR Congo will compete in Group K at the World Cup, where they are set to face Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan. The tournament is scheduled to begin on 11 June. Their group-stage fixtures have already been confirmed.
DR Congo World Cup Fixtures
| Date | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 17 June | Portugal | Houston |
| 23 June | Colombia | Guadalajara |
| 27 June | Uzbekistan | Atlanta |
The team’s spokesperson, Jerry Kalemo, confirmed the change in preparations in comments to The Athletic, stating: “The training camp in Kinshasa has been cancelled. The camp will now be in Belgium.”
A spokesperson for the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) said the governing body is aware of the Ebola situation and is closely monitoring developments. The statement added that FIFA is maintaining regular communication with the DR Congo Football Federation to ensure that the team receives all necessary health and safety guidance.
In addition, the United States government has introduced new public health measures to prevent the spread of Ebola. Under these rules, individuals who have travelled to DR Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan within the past 21 days are temporarily barred from entering the United States. Cases of Ebola have also been reported in Uganda and South Sudan. The restrictions are initially in place for 30 days, after which they may be extended depending on the evolving situation.
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) stated in its order that the measure is necessary to protect public health due to the significant risk of Ebola transmission into the United States.
FIFA also confirmed that it is continuing coordination with authorities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico to ensure the World Cup is conducted safely. It emphasised that the health and safety of all participants remains its highest priority.
The United States’ immigration framework already includes certain restrictions affecting travel from DR Congo; however, exemptions are in place for official representatives of participating national teams in the World Cup. The DR Congo squad of 26 players has already been announced. All members are currently based with clubs outside the country, and none have returned to DR Congo.
The national team last appeared at the World Cup in 1974 in West Germany, when the country competed under the name Zaire. This marks their second appearance in the tournament, coming 52 years after their debut, with the upcoming edition hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.