World Cup 2026: DR Congo take pre-tournament camp to Belgium

The DR Congo national team has moved its pre-World Cup training camp from Kinshasa to Belgium following the Ebola outbreak affecting parts of the country.

The decision was taken as the team steps up preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The outbreak has raised serious health concerns after the World Health Organisation declared it a “public health emergency of international concern,” with hundreds of reported cases and suspected deaths recorded.

Federation Prioritises Squad Safety

Congolese football authorities acted swiftly to protect players and staff ahead of the tournament. Team spokesperson Jerry Kalemo confirmed that preparations will now continue in Belgium instead of Kinshasa.

The relocation is expected to allow the squad to train under safer conditions while maintaining focus on their upcoming international assignments.

DR Congo are scheduled to play Denmark on June 3 before taking on Spain on June 9 in two warm-up fixtures ahead of the World Cup.

Tough Group Awaits DR Congo

The Leopards have been placed in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan for the tournament.

Their World Cup journey will begin against Portugal on June 17 in Houston before facing Colombia in Guadalajara on June 23. The group stage campaign will conclude with a meeting against Uzbekistan in Atlanta on June 27.

The team secured qualification for the tournament in March after defeating Jamaica in a playoff, marking DR Congo’s first World Cup appearance since 1974.

FIFA Monitoring Situation Closely

FIFA has stated that it continues to monitor developments surrounding the outbreak while remaining in regular contact with the Congolese Football Federation.

According to the governing body, “the health of all individuals involved remains FIFA’s priority.”

The health crisis has also prompted action from the United States government, which introduced temporary restrictions preventing entry for anyone who has visited DR Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan within the last 21 days.

The emergency measures are expected to remain in place for 30 days, although exemptions have been granted for official delegations participating in the World Cup.

Overseas-Based Squad Remains Unaffected

DR Congo announced its 26-man squad earlier this week, with all selected players currently based abroad. Premier League players included in the squad are Axel Tuanzebe of Burnley, Noah Sadiki of Sunderland, Aaron Wan-Bissaka of West Ham, and Yoan Wissa of Newcastle.

Kalemo also confirmed that none of the players have travelled back to DR Congo since the outbreak began.

Despite the disruption to their preparations, the Leopards remain determined to focus on the tournament as they prepare for a historic return to the FIFA World Cup stage.