DR Congo the final preparatory match on the eve 2026 FIFA World Cup against Chile will be played behind closed doors after health problems related to an Ebola outbreak in the African country disrupted the logistical plans for the competition.
The game, originally scheduled for Cadiz in Spain, has been moved to the French city of Orléans and will now be played behind closed doors at 16:00 BST on Tuesday.
Organizers confirmed the decision as a precautionary measure due to growing concerns about the spread of Ebola in parts of eastern DR Congo.
The change marks another adjustment in what has already been an unsettled gathering for the Congolese national team, which is trying to complete preparations for its first World Cup appearance since 1974.
Travel restrictions and health protocols have been tightened
The United States, which will host part of the tournament, has introduced strict conditions for the entry of delegations traveling from the DR Congo.
Players and officials must be out of the country for at least 21 days and show no symptoms before being granted entry.
While DR Congo’s squad is made up entirely of players based abroad, some members of support staff and a small group of traveling fans are believed to have been in the country recently, increasing scrutiny over health screening procedures.
The squad is based in Marbella, Spain, following a 10-day training camp in Belgium, where they played out a goalless draw with Denmark as part of their preparations.
The return of the World Cup after five decades
DR Congo’s qualification marks a significant return to the global stage, with their last appearance coming in 1974 when the nation competed as Zaire. They finished bottom of their group after defeats to Scotland, Brazil and Yugoslavia.
In the 2026 tournament, DR Congo will be based in Houston for the group stage. They begin their campaign against Portugal on June 17 before facing Colombia in Guadalajara, Mexico, and conclude their Group K fixtures against Uzbekistan in Atlanta.
Health authorities continue to monitor the Ebola outbreak, and the World Health Organization warns that the strain involved — Bundibugyo Ebola — does not yet have an approved vaccine, raising concerns about timelines for containment.
