Preparations for the DR Congo national football team’s World Cup campaign have been thrown into uncertainty after a new Ebola outbreak in the country’s east forced officials to scrap key stages of their training program.
The decision affects the team’s early preparations, including a planned three-day training camp and a farewell ceremony in Kinshasa. Both have now been cancelled amid rising health concerns linked to the spread of the virus.
According to team officials, the changes were made after consultations between head coach Sébastien Desabre and his technical staff, who opted to adjust travel plans to reduce risk to players and staff.
“Our preparations were supposed to have three stages: a farewell in Kinshasa, two friendlies in Europe, then an acclimatization camp in Houston. Only the first stage has been cancelled,” said Jerry Kalemo, press officer for the national team.
The disruption comes as the World Health Organization declared a public health emergency over the latest Ebola flare-up, which reports say has claimed around 130 lives. Health authorities have warned of continued risks in affected regions.
The situation has also influenced player movements, with some Europe-based footballers reportedly opting to avoid travel to Africa before regrouping with the squad in Europe.
A message shared by ESPN indicated that logistical changes had been made to the programme, confirming that the Kinshasa phase would not go ahead as planned.
Despite the setback, players still in DR Congo are expected to depart in the coming days to join their teammates in Europe. There, the squad will continue preparations with scheduled friendlies against Denmark and Chile.
The broader training plan remains in place, but officials acknowledge that the outbreak has forced an abrupt shift in timing and location.
For now, the Leopards are trying to maintain focus on their World Cup return, even as public health concerns continue to shape their path to the tournament.
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