HomeglobalDR Congo cancels World Cup training camp over Ebola outbreak

DR Congo cancels World Cup training camp over Ebola outbreak

globalMay 21, 2026
2 min read
DR Congo cancels World Cup training camp over Ebola outbreak
The outbreak, caused by a rare Ebola species, is thought to have caused 139 deaths so far.
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The Democratic Republic of Congo has cancelled its pre-World Cup training camp in the capital, Kinshasa, because of an Ebola outbreak in the east of the country.

Preparations have been moved to Belgium amid the upsurge, which is thought to have killed 139 people out of 600 suspected cases.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called the outbreak a "public health emergency of international concern", but said it was not at pandemic level.

Jerry Kalemo, a spokesperson for the national football team, told international media that pre-tournament games in Europe would go ahead as planned, as the squad gears up for their first World Cup since 1974.

DR Congo are due to play friendly matches against Denmark, on 3 June in Liege, and Chile, on 9 June in Marbella, ahead of the World Cup finals.

Back at home, authorities will be occupied with attempts to contain the Ebola outbreak, which has been caused by a rare species known as Bundibugyo.

There is currently no vaccine for this species and the WHO has said it could take up to nine months for a jab to be ready.

Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent.

Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica

Source: BBC News - World

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