DR Congo Move World Cup Camp to Belgium Amid Ebola Outbreak

The Ebola outbreak forced DR Congo to move its training base to Belgium as FIFA and host nations coordinate medical guidance ahead of the World Cup.

Rabat – The DR Congo national team has cancelled its pre‑World Cup training camp in Kinshasa due to the Ebola outbreak in the country, shifting preparations to Belgium.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak a “public health emergency of international concern,” with more than 600 cases and 139 suspected deaths reported.

The situation prompted the Congolese federation to act quickly to ensure the squad’s safety ahead of the tournament.

Team spokesperson Jerry Kalemo confirmed the decision, saying the camp will now take place in Belgium.

The team is scheduled to face Denmark on June 3 and Spain on June 9 in warm‑up matches before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

DR Congo will compete in Group K, alongside Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan. Their opening match is against Portugal on June 17 in Houston, followed by Colombia in Guadalajara on June 23, and Uzbekistan in Atlanta on June 27.

FIFA and US measures

FIFA said it is monitoring the situation closely and remains in contact with the Congolese federation to provide medical and security guidance.

The governing body stressed that “the health of all individuals involved remains FIFA’s priority.”

Meanwhile, the US government has introduced emergency restrictions, barring entry for anyone who has visited DR Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan in the past 21 days.

The rule will last for 30 days, with exemptions for official delegations participating in the World Cup.

DR Congo named their 26‑man squad earlier this week, with all players based abroad. Premier League representatives include Axel Tuanzebe (Burnley), Noah Sadiki (Sunderland), Aaron Wan‑Bissaka (West Ham), and Yoan Wissa (Newcastle).

Kalemo confirmed that none of the players have returned to the country during the outbreak.

DR Congo qualified for the World Cup in March by defeating Jamaica in a playoff. The relocation of their camp shows the challenges posed by health emergencies, but the team remains focused on preparations for its first World Cup appearance since 1974.