The Congolese national soccer team has decided to cancel its scheduled farewell event in Kinshasa due to increasing concerns over an outbreak of a rare strain of the Ebola virus in the country. Most players and coaching staff are based in Europe, but those who have recently been in Congo will need to undergo quarantine in the United States before the World Cup.
As part of their preparations, the team is set to play against Denmark in Belgium on June 3, followed by a match against Chile in Spain on June 9. However, the planned three-day training camp in Kinshasa has been called off due to the Ebola outbreak, specifically a variant known as Bundibugyo, which has reportedly resulted in over 130 fatalities and nearly 600 suspected cases.
The World Health Organization has classified the situation as a public health emergency of international concern. Team spokesperson Jerry Kalemo confirmed that while the farewell event in Kinshasa has been canceled, the warm-up matches in Belgium and Spain will proceed as scheduled. He stated, “There were three stages of preparation: the farewell to fans in Kinshasa, followed by the friendlies in Belgium and Spain, and then the final stage starting June 11 in Houston, USA. Only the Kinshasa stage has been canceled.”
Most players and the French head coach, Sébastien Desabre, have been training outside of Congo, primarily in France. Some staff members based in Congo are expected to depart within the next few hours, according to Kalemo.
FIFA has acknowledged the situation, noting that it is in close contact with the Congolese Football Association to provide necessary medical and security guidance regarding the Ebola outbreak. Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States announced a 30-day entry ban for all foreign nationals who have been in Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan within the last three weeks.
However, a U.S. official clarified that the Congolese World Cup squad would not be impacted by this travel restriction, as they have been training in Europe for several weeks. Team members, coaches, and officials who have not returned to Congo in the last three weeks will not face entry bans. Those who have returned during this timeframe will be subject to the same quarantine protocols as U.S. citizens returning from affected regions.
It was noted that this exemption does not extend to Congolese fans wishing to attend the World Cup. The White House World Cup task force, which operates under the Department of Homeland Security, has emphasized its close coordination with various agencies to monitor health and security issues related to the outbreak.
Congo’s qualification for the World Cup marked its first appearance since 1974, when the nation was known as Zaire, igniting celebrations throughout a country that has endured years of conflict. The team is placed in Group K, with its opening match scheduled against Portugal in Houston on June 17. Subsequent matches include a clash with Colombia in Guadalajara on June 23, followed by a final group game against Uzbekistan in Atlanta on June 27.
