The Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DR Congo) historic return to the FIFA World Cup has been plunged into uncertainty after a major pre-tournament friendly against Chile was abruptly canceled over fears linked to the country’s ongoing Ebola outbreak.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just days away, the Leopards now find themselves battling not only footballing challenges but also a growing public health crisis that has disrupted preparations, forced cancellations, triggered international travel concerns and prompted stern warnings from United States authorities.
DR Congo preparations have now been thrown into chaos while U.S. officials warn Congo could miss World Cup entry without strict isolation measures
Why DR Congo vs Chile Friendly
The high-profile friendly between DR Congo and Chile, scheduled for June 9 in La Línea de la Concepción, Spain, has officially been called off.
The match was due to take place at the municipality’s 10,000-capacity stadium near the Gibraltar border and was expected to be Congo’s final warm-up fixture before heading to North America.
However, local authorities stepped in after receiving health recommendations linked to the Ebola outbreak in the Central African nation.
La Línea mayor, Juan Franco confirmed the decision.
“I have signed the decree banning the holding of the match between the DR Congo and Chile,” Juan Franco confirmed.
“A report by the head of the mayoralty’s health service of La Línea advised categorically against hosting the match given the health risks which might arise.”
According to Spanish news agency EFE, Chile even proposed that the game be played behind closed doors, but those efforts failed to reverse the decision.
Ebola Outbreak Affects DR Congo Preparations
The cancellation marks another major setback for a nation preparing for its first World Cup appearance in more than half a century.
Earlier, Congolese football authorities had already canceled a three-day training camp and a planned farewell event for supporters 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 DR Congo into neighboring Uganda.
As of May 27, WHO figures showed 906 suspected cases and 223 deaths.
Earlier reports had already indicated that more than 130 people had died and nearly 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 shifted their entire World Cup preparation program abroad.
Team spokesman Jerry Kalemo explained that only the Kinshasa phase of preparations had been scrapped.
“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 from June 11 in Houston, United States.”
“Only one stage was cancelled — the one in Kinshasa.”
Most of the Congolese squad and coaching staff are based outside the country, making the move easier to implement.
French coach Sébastien Desabre and the majority of the players currently ply their trade in European leagues, particularly in France.
Some staff members based in Congo were also expected to leave the country and join preparations abroad.
U.S. Delivers Ultimatum to Congo
The health concerns have now reached the highest levels of World Cup planning.
Nearly two weeks before the tournament, Andrew Giuliani, Executive Director of the White House Task Force for the FIFA World Cup, issued a blunt 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’ve been very clear to Congo that they should maintain the integrity of their bubble for 21 days before they can then come to Houston on June 11th,” he said.
“We’ve made it very clear to the Congo government as well, that they need to maintain that bubble or they risk not being able to travel to the United States.”
“We cannot be any 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 the highest priorities for tournament organizers.
“We want to make sure that there is nothing that’s going to come in or near our borders here on this.”
He also warned that anyone joining the delegation from Congo could jeopardize the entire team’s participation.
“If there are other people that are going to be coming in, they need to have a separate bubble from that team.”
“If they end up coming, and any of those people end up symptomatic, they are risking the entire team being able to come and compete in this World Cup.”
Giuliani further revealed that American authorities were monitoring developments closely 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 discussions had taken place about sending officials to Belgium to monitor the team’s situation.
FIFA Monitoring Situation Closely
Football’s governing body FIFA has also acknowledged the growing concerns.
In a statement, FIFA said it was maintaining regular communication with Congolese football authorities.
“It is aware of and monitoring the situation regarding an Ebola outbreak and is in close communication with the Congo DR Football Association to ensure that the team are made aware of all medical and security guidance.”
CDC Travel Restrictions Add Another Layer of Concern
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced temporary restrictions on foreign nationals who had recently been in DR Congo, Uganda or South Sudan.
The measure lasts for 30 days.
However, a U.S. official clarified that the Congolese national team should not be affected because they have 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 for entry.
Those who have visited Congo more recently could face quarantine requirements similar to those imposed on American citizens returning from affected regions.
The exemption does not extend to supporters hoping to travel from Congo to watch the World Cup.
Historic World Cup Return Under Threat
The Ebola crisis comes at what should have been a celebratory moment for Congolese football.
The Leopards secured qualification for their first FIFA World Cup since 1974, when the nation competed under the name Zaire.
Their qualification triggered scenes of jubilation across a country that has endured decades of political instability and conflict.
Now, instead of focusing solely on football, the nation finds itself navigating a public health emergency while trying to keep its World Cup dream alive.
Denmark Friendly Goes Ahead
Despite the cancellation of the Chile encounter, Congo’s scheduled warm-up match against Denmark in Liège, Belgium, is expected to proceed as planned.
The fixture offers Desabre’s side 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 on 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 encounter against Uzbekistan in Atlanta.
For a nation dreaming of making history on football’s biggest stage, the coming days may prove just as important off the pitch as they are on it.
