An international friendly match between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Chile, scheduled to take place in Spain next week, has been cancelled. The decision was made by the mayor of La Linea de la Concepcion, Juan Franco, citing health concerns related to the Ebola outbreak in the African nation. The fixture was originally planned for 9 June.
Mayor Franco signed a decree to prevent the match from proceeding, describing it as a “precautionary measure.” This action followed recommendations from both the Andalusian regional health service and the municipality’s own medical department. A report from the head of the mayoralty’s health service in La Linea “advised categorically against hosting the match given the health risks which might arise,” according to Franco.
La Linea de la Concepcion, a coastal resort with approximately 65,000 residents in the province of Cadiz, near the Gibraltar border, was set to host the game as both nations prepared for the World Cup. The DR Congo team is currently based in Belgium. Their planned pre-tournament training camp in Kinshasa, the capital, was cancelled due to an Ebola outbreak in the eastern part of the country.
While it is understood that none of the DR Congo players, who all play for clubs outside the country, have recently visited their homeland, some support staff and fans have travelled from there. The DR Congo is also scheduled to play Denmark in a friendly match in Liege on Wednesday.
Health Protocols and World Cup Participation
The United States‘ public health agency has implemented a ban on entry for non-Americans who have been in the DR Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan within the previous 21 days, in response to the Ebola outbreak. The current outbreak in eastern DR Congo is attributed to a rare species of Ebola known as Bundibugyo, for which there is currently no vaccine. The World Health Organisation has indicated that it could take up to nine months for a vaccine to be ready.
Despite these concerns, the DR Congo‘s national football federation (FECOFA) and FIFA have confirmed that the team and technical staff are in full compliance with all U.S. health and safety protocols for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This clearance followed a videoconference involving FECOFA President Veron Mosengo Omba, the federation’s 4th Vice President, and senior FIFA representatives.
Key measures confirmed during the meeting included the cancellation of the training camp originally planned for Kinshasa to meet new U.S. health entry requirements. Most of the DR Congo players selected for the World Cup squad reside and compete in Europe, which significantly reduces any direct exposure risk. Additionally, team staff who departed Kinshasa on May 20 will complete a minimum 21-day stay in Europe before entering the United States, fully satisfying American health authority guidelines.
Government Support and Fan Concerns
Her Excellency Yvette Kapinga Ngandu, DR Congo Ambassador to the United States, expressed satisfaction with the joint confidence shown by FECOFA and FIFA in the Congolese delegation. She commended the team’s responsibility, discipline, and respect. Minister of Sport Didier Budimbu echoed these sentiments, highlighting the Congolese government’s full support for the team, stating they have done everything to ensure the team arrives in the United States prepared and protected.
The Ambassador also addressed the situation of Congolese supporters who purchased World Cup tickets but have been unable to secure U.S. visas due to administrative restrictions. FIFA has committed to reviewing FECOFA‘s formal request to facilitate refunds for these affected fans. The Ambassador urged FIFA to act with urgency and compassion in assisting these supporters.
The DR Congo, having qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1974, plans to establish its base in Houston during the tournament. The team is scheduled to commence their Group K campaign there against Portugal on 17 June.
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