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The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo)’s historic return to the FIFA World Cup has been thrown into uncertainty after an important pre-tournament friendly against Chile was abruptly canceled over fears related to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the country.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just days away, the Leopards now face not only soccer challenges but also a growing public health crisis that has disrupted preparations, forced cancellations, sparked concerns about international travel and prompted stern warnings from U.S. authorities.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s preparations have now been thrown into chaos as US officials warn that Congo could miss out on participating in the World Cup without strict lockdown measures.
Why the friendly DR Congo vs Chile
The high-profile friendly between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Chile, scheduled for June 9 in La Línea de la Concepción, Spain, has been officially cancelled.
The match was due to take place at the 10,000-capacity township stadium, near the border with Gibraltar, and was expected to be Congo’s final warm-up match before heading to North America.
However, local authorities intervened after receiving health recommendations related to the Ebola outbreak in the Central African nation.
The mayor of La Línea, Juan Franco, confirmed the decision.
“I have signed the decree that prohibits the celebration of the match between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Chile.” Juan Franco confirmed.
“A report from the head of the health service of the La Línea mayor’s office categorically advises against holding the match due to the health risks it could entail.”
According to the Spanish news agency EFE, Chile even proposed that the match be played behind closed doors, but those efforts failed to reverse the decision.
Ebola outbreak affects DRC preparations
The cancellation marks another major setback for a nation preparing for its first World Cup appearance in more than half a century.
Previously, Congolese football authorities had already canceled a three-day training camp and a farewell event planned for fans in Kinshasa due to the outbreak affecting the eastern region of the country.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
The outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which has spread beyond the Democratic Republic of Congo into neighboring Uganda.
As of May 27, WHO figures showed 906 suspected cases and 223 deaths.
Previous reports had already indicated that more than 130 people had died and almost 600 suspected infections had been recorded as the disease continued to spread.
Congo forced to relocate entire preparation camp
With conditions worsening at home, the Leopards moved their entire World Cup preparation program abroad.
Team spokesman Jerry Kalemo explained that only the Kinshasa preparation phase had been cancelled.
“There were three stages of preparation: in Kinshasa to say goodbye to the public, Belgium and Spain with two friendly matches against Denmark in Liege and Chile in Spain, and the third stage starting June 11 in Houston, United States.”
“Only one stage was cancelled: Kinshasa.”
Most of the Congolese team and coaching staff are based outside the country, making the move easier to implement.
French coach Sébastien Desabre and most of the players currently ply their trade in European leagues, especially in France.
Some personnel based in Congo were also expected to leave the country and join preparations abroad.
The United States delivers an ultimatum to the Congo
Health concerns have now reached the highest levels of World Cup planning.
Almost two weeks before the tournament, Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force for the FIFA World Cup, issued a strong warning to Congo.
According to Giuliani, the team must remain isolated in a controlled environment for 21 days or risk being denied entry into the United States.
“We have made it very clear to Congo that they must maintain the integrity of their bubble for 21 days before they can come to Houston on June 11.“, said.
“We have also made it very clear to the Congolese government that they must maintain that bubble or risk not being able to travel to the United States..”
“We cannot be clearer.“
The United States has reportedly informed FIFA, the Congolese Football Federation and government officials that strict health protocols must be maintained.
Giuliani emphasized that health and safety remain top priorities for tournament organizers.
“We want to make sure there’s nothing coming in or approaching our borders here about this.”
He also warned that anyone joining the Congo delegation could jeopardize the participation of the entire team.
““If there are other people coming in, they should have a separate bubble from that team.”
“If they end up coming and any of those people show symptoms, they are risking the entire team being able to come and compete in this World Cup.”
Giuliani further revealed that US authorities were closely monitoring developments and had even discussed sending personnel to Belgium.
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has staff in Europe monitoring two American doctors who are in quarantine after being exposed to Ebola.”
He added that sending officials to Belgium to monitor the team’s situation had been discussed.
FIFA is closely monitoring the situation
Football’s governing body FIFA has also acknowledged the growing concerns.
In a statement, FIFA said it was in regular communication with Congolese football authorities.
“It is aware of and monitoring the situation related to an Ebola outbreak and is in close communication with the Football Association of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to ensure that the team is aware of all medical and safety guidelines.”
CDC travel restrictions add another layer of worry
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced temporary restrictions on foreign citizens who have recently been to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda or South Sudan.
The measure lasts 30 days.
However, a US official clarified that the Congolese team should not be affected because it has been training in Europe for several weeks.
Players, coaches and officials who have not returned to Congo during the previous 21 days are expected to remain eligible to enter.
Those who have visited the Congo more recently could face quarantine requirements similar to those imposed on US citizens returning from affected regions.
The exemption does not extend to fans wishing to travel from the Congo to watch the World Cup.
The historic return of the World Cup is threatened
The Ebola crisis comes at what should have been a time of celebration for Congolese football.
The Leopards achieved qualification for their first FIFA World Cup from 1974when the nation competed under the name Zaire.
His qualification sparked scenes of jubilation across a country that has endured decades of political instability and conflict.
Now, instead of focusing solely on soccer, the nation finds itself navigating a public health emergency as it tries to keep its World Cup dream alive.
The friendly with Denmark continues
Despite the cancellation of the match with Chile, Congo’s scheduled warm-up match against Denmark in Liege, Belgium is expected to go ahead as planned.
The match offers the Desabre team a crucial opportunity to fine-tune preparations before the tournament begins.
The road ahead: Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan await
The Leopards have been drawn into a challenging Group K at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Their campaign begins June 17 in Houston against Portugal.
They will then travel to Guadalajara, Mexico, to face Colombia before returning to the United States for their final group stage match against Uzbekistan in Atlanta.
For a nation that dreams of making history on football’s biggest stage, the next few days may prove as important off the pitch as on it.
