DR Congo’s World Cup Preparations Halted by Ebola Outbreak and Health Concerns DATELINE: Kampala, Uganda – LEAD The Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been significantly disrupted by an Ebola outbreak in the country’s eastern region, leading to the cancellation of a pre-tournament friendly match and other events. NUT GRAF: The outbreak, which includes a rare type of Ebola known as Bundibugyo, has prompted health authorities and officials to take stringent measures to prevent the spread of the virus and protect public health. This has had a direct impact on the DRC’s soccer team, which has had to cancel a training camp and a farewell event for fans in Kinshasa.
Kampala, Uganda — The mayor of La Linea de la Concepcion in Spain, Juan Franco, announced the cancellation of a pre-World Cup friendly match between the DRC and Chile scheduled for June 9, 2026, due to health concerns over the Ebola outbreak in the DRC. Franco described the cancellation as a “precautionary measure “and stated that it was in line with recommendations from the Andalusia regional government’s health service.
The DRC’s soccer team has also been affected by the outbreak.
The team had to cancel a three — day World Cup preparation training camp and a planned farewell to fans in Kinshasa. This decision was made to ensure the safety of players, staff, and fans, as well as to prevent the potential spread of the virus.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Ebola disease outbreak in Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern.
As of the latest reports, there have been at least 139 suspected deaths and over 600 suspected cases.
The outbreak has raised concerns about the potential impact on the upcoming World Cup, with the DRC set to play their first Group K match on June 17 against Portugal in Houston.
The US’s public health agency has also implemented a ban on entry from non-Americans who have been in the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan in the previous 21 days, in response to the Ebola outbreak.
This decision is part of the broader efforts to contain the spread of the virus and protect public health.
The cancellation of the friendly match and the training camp is a blow to the DRC’s soccer team, which is preparing for its first World Cup appearance since 1974.
The team had been based in Belgium for their preparations, but the outbreak forced them to cancel their plans and seek alternative arrangements.
The Ebola outbreak has underscored the challenges that the DRC and other African countries face in terms of public health and the impact it can have on international events.
The situation also highlights the importance of coordinated efforts by health authorities and governments to address such crises effectively. KICKER: As the DRC’s soccer team continues its preparations for the World Cup, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of players, staff, and fans.
The outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with international travel and the need for robust public health measures.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: BBC Africa
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