The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has cancelled its pre-World Cup training camp in Kinshasa following a worsening Ebola outbreak in the eastern part of the country.
The decision affects preparations for the national team, the DR Congo national football team, ahead of their first World Cup appearance since 1974.
Health authorities say the outbreak has already caused more than 130 deaths, with a newly confirmed case in South Kivu indicating the virus is spreading beyond its original epicentre in Ituri province.
The World Health Organization has classified the situation as a “public health emergency of international concern,” although it clarified that it is not yet at pandemic level.
In response, the national team confirmed that its training camp—originally scheduled in Kinshasa—will now be relocated to Belgium.
Team spokesperson Jerry Kalemo said the squad’s preparations and scheduled friendly matches in Europe will continue as planned, including fixtures against Denmark on June 3 and Chile on June 9.
The Leopards are expected to begin their World Cup campaign in Houston on June 17 against Portugal.
Officials said the cancellation was also influenced by travel restrictions imposed by the United States, which is co-hosting the tournament alongside Mexico and Canada.
The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has restricted entry for non-US citizens who have recently been in affected countries, including DR Congo, due to the outbreak.
Although most players are based abroad and unaffected by the restrictions, some team staff and media personnel have raised concerns about visa access after the US embassy in Kinshasa suspended services.
The outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, currently has no approved vaccine, and the WHO estimates it could take up to nine months to develop one.
Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely as access challenges persist in rebel-controlled areas of eastern DRC, complicating containment efforts.
Despite the crisis, authorities say international partners are working with local actors to contain the spread and prevent further escalation.
