The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have suffered a major setback after the country cancelled its planned pre-tournament training camp due to an outbreak of a rare variant of the Ebola virus.
The decision comes just days before DR Congo is scheduled to face Portugal in one of the most anticipated matches of its World Cup campaign. Football authorities and health officials have moved quickly to minimize risks while ensuring the team’s preparations can continue under safe conditions.
Reports indicate that the outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a variant that has generated significant concern among health experts. The World Health Organization has classified the situation as a serious public health concern after hundreds of suspected cases and numerous fatalities were reported.
In response, Congolese football officials cancelled a planned training camp and fan farewell event in the capital, Kinshasa. Rather than gathering domestically, the national team has relocated its preparations to Belgium, where players and coaching staff can continue training in a controlled environment.
The outbreak has also attracted the attention of FIFA and public health authorities worldwide. Organizers of the 2026 FIFA World Cup are closely monitoring the situation and working with relevant health agencies to ensure the safety of players, officials, and supporters.
For DR Congo, the timing could hardly be worse. The nation is preparing for one of the most important tournaments in its football history after successfully qualifying for the World Cup. Expectations among fans are high, and the team was hoping to build momentum through a comprehensive preparation program before heading to the tournament.
Despite the disruption, officials remain optimistic that the relocation of the training camp will allow the squad to remain focused on football. Most of the players are based in Europe, making the transition to Belgium relatively straightforward.
As the countdown to the World Cup continues, the situation serves as a reminder of how public health emergencies can impact global sporting events. For now, DR Congo’s immediate priority is ensuring the health and safety of its delegation while maintaining preparations for its highly anticipated encounter against Portugal.
