Democratic Republic of Congo have been compelled to adjust their preparation plans for the 2026 World Cup after a deadly Ebola outbreak was confirmed in the country. The change affects the team’s build-up schedule and where they will train ahead of the tournament.
The Congolese Football Association has opted to relocate the Leopards’ preparation to Belgium rather than staying in Congo. With the health situation developing, officials have moved the camp to a quieter setting for the coming weeks.
A planned send-off event for supporters in Kinshasa has also been called off. Team spokesman Jerry Kalemo said the farewell in the capital will not go ahead.
Quick facts
- DR Congo have altered their 2026 World Cup preparation due to an Ebola outbreak.
- The team will base their build-up in Belgium instead of Congo.
- A supporters’ farewell in Kinshasa has been cancelled, per spokesman Jerry Kalemo.
- The Leopards will train in Europe to work toward the start of the World Cup.
- On June 3, DRC play Denmark in a friendly at Sclessin in Liège.
- On June 9, DRC face Chile in a second warm-up match in southern Spain.
With the disruption to public life escalating, the squad will now remain in Europe for the next phase of preparations. Their aim is to keep training on track while reducing exposure risks during the build-up period.
The first key fixture on the revised calendar is set for June 3, when DRC will host Denmark in a friendly at Sclessin in Liège. The match is scheduled as an early test of the team’s rhythm and readiness.
They will then play Chile in another warm-up game on June 9. That second friendly will take place in southern Spain, giving the Leopards a further opportunity to fine-tune ahead of the World Cup.
On the wider public health front, the World Health Organisation has declared a public health emergency linked to the outbreak of a rare form of Ebola in DRC. The WHO said the disease has claimed the lives of more than 130 people, with nearly 600 additional suspected cases reported.
The situation has also triggered travel restrictions from the United States. The American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that the US will bar entry for all foreign nationals who have been in DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan within the previous three weeks.
