The Democratic Republic of Congo was still hoping to play the 2026 FIFA World Cup warm-up against Chile after the mayor of the Spanish city of La Linea de la Concepcion refused permission for the match due to health concerns linked to the Ebola crisis.
The Congolese Football Federation said it was in talks with its Spanish counterpart and relevant international bodies to find solutions.
Government authorities in the southern city of La Linea de la Concepcion have announced the decision not to allow next Tuesday’s friendly meeting, citing possible health risks related to the Ebola crisis.
Congo played a warm-up against Denmark in Liège, Belgium on Wednesday.
An outbreak of a rare type of Ebola virus has ravaged Congo and Uganda. The World Health Organization has declared the crisis a public health emergency of international concern.
Congo had already canceled a three-day World Cup preparation training camp and a planned farewell for fans in the capital Kinshasa due to the outbreak in the east of the country.
All Congo players and the team’s French coach, Sébastien Desabre, are based outside the Central African country and most of them play in France.
Football’s governing body FIFA previously issued a statement saying it is aware of and monitoring the situation regarding an Ebola outbreak, and that it is communicating closely with Congolese football officials to ensure the team is aware of all medical and safety guidelines.
Congo will play in group K at the World Cup. It will play Portugal for the opening match in Houston on June 17.
The Leopards next face Colombia on June 23 in Guadalajara, before playing Uzbekistan for their final group match on June 27 in Atlanta.
Congo’s first World Cup qualification since 1974, when the country was still called Zaire, sparked cheers across the country, which has been ravaged by decades of conflict.
Published on June 4, 2026
