Emergency Relocation of Training Camp

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has officially cancelled its scheduled pre-World Cup training camp in the capital city of Kinshasa. The decision comes in response to a burgeoning Ebola outbreak within the country, which the World Health Organisation has classified as a “public health emergency of international concern.” According to reports from the BBC, the outbreak has already seen over 600 cases and 139 suspected deaths.

DR Congo spokesperson Jerry Kalemo confirmed the change in plans, stating, “The team’s training camp in Kinshasa has been cancelled. The camp will now take place in Belgium.” The team is scheduled to play Denmark in Belgium on June 3, followed by another fixture in Spain on June 9 before the tournament officially kicks off.

FIFA and International Response

FIFA has expressed that it is closely tracking the situation to ensure player and staff safety. A FIFA spokesperson noted, “FIFA 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.”

The crisis has also triggered a response from the United States government. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has invoked an emergency public health rule, prohibiting entry to anyone who has visited DR Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan in the last 21 days. This 30-day order is intended to “protect the health of the United States from the serious risk posed by the introduction of Ebola disease.”

Impact on World Cup Participation

DR Congo is slated to compete in Group K against Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan. Their opening match is scheduled for June 17 against Portugal in Houston, followed by clashes in Guadalajara and Atlanta.

Despite the travel restrictions, exemptions are in place for national federation delegations. Fortunately, the impact on the 26-man squad is minimized as all players currently play outside of the country. This includes Premier League talents such as Axel Tuanzebe, Noah Sadiki, Aaron Wan Bissaka, and Yoan Wissa. Kalemo confirmed that none of the players have returned to the country during the outbreak.

FIFA continues to coordinate with the host nations—the U.S., Canada, and Mexico—to ensure a secure environment, emphasizing that “the health of all individuals involved remains FIFA’s priority.”