DR Congo Shifts World Cup Preparations to Europe Amid Ebola Outbreak

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has cancelled its pre-World Cup training camp in Kinshasa following a deadly Ebola outbreak in the eastern region of the country that has reportedly claimed more than 130 lives, forcing authorities to prioritise health and safety ahead of the global football showpiece.

As concerns over the outbreak intensify, the Congolese national football team has relocated its preparations to Belgium, abandoning plans to camp in the capital as the country prepares for its first FIFA World Cup appearance since 1974.

The move comes amid heightened international concern after the World Health Organization (WHO) classified the Ebola outbreak as a “public health emergency of international concern,” while clarifying that the situation had not yet escalated to pandemic status.

National team spokesperson Jerry Kalemo told international media that despite the disruption, DR Congo’s planned warm-up fixtures in Europe would proceed as scheduled to ensure the squad remains fully prepared for the tournament.

The Congolese side is expected to face Denmark in Belgium on 3 June before travelling to Spain for a friendly encounter against Chile on 9 June, as part of its final preparations for the World Cup finals to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

DR Congo will begin its World Cup campaign against Portugal in Houston on 17 June, marking a historic return to football’s biggest stage after nearly five decades away.

The relocation of the training camp highlights the growing impact of public health emergencies on international sport, with officials seeking to strike a balance between safeguarding players and maintaining competitive readiness ahead of one of the world’s most watched sporting events.

By Witness A Phiri