AFCON 2025
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s national football team has called off its planned three-day training camp and fan farewell event in Kinshasa following concerns over the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the eastern part of the country.
The decision comes after the Ebola virus disease was declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization, with hundreds of suspected cases and reported deaths linked to the outbreak across DR Congo and neighbouring Uganda.
Team officials confirmed that only the Kinshasa phase of preparations has been affected, while the squad will continue its international build-up schedule in Europe and beyond.
Spokesperson Jerry Kalemo explained that the team’s preparation plan was structured in three phases, with the domestic camp, European friendlies, and a final training phase in the United States.
“The Kinshasa camp, which was meant for a public farewell, has been cancelled. The other stages in Belgium, Spain and the United States will go ahead as planned,” he said.
DR Congo is expected to play international friendlies against Denmark in Liège on June 3 and Chile on June 9 in Spain, with both fixtures confirmed to proceed.
Head coach Sébastien Desabre and most of the squad, made up largely of players based in Europe, are already outside the country.
Officials also confirmed that staff members based in DR Congo are being relocated as part of precautionary health measures.
World football governing body FIFA said it is monitoring the situation closely and remains in contact with the country’s football federation to ensure compliance with medical and security guidelines.
Health authorities in other countries have also stepped up surveillance measures amid growing concern over the outbreak, which has triggered international attention and travel restrictions in some regions.
Despite the disruption, DR Congo’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup remains a historic achievement, marking the nation’s first appearance at the tournament since 1974.
The team earned its place after a tense qualification run, including a penalty shootout victory over Nigeria’s Nigeria national football team before securing final qualification through the playoff stages.
