The Democratic Republic of Congo has abandoned plans for its pre-World Cup training camp in Kinshasa after a sharp rise in Ebola cases in the eastern provinces. The Congolese Football Federation announced the cancellation on Saturday, citing the outbreak of the Sudan strain, which has a 70% mortality rate in confirmed cases. The camp, scheduled to begin on October 12 at the Stade des Martyrs, was intended to prepare the national team for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The federation’s decision came after health officials reported 12 confirmed cases in North Kivu province since late September, with the number doubling in the past fortnight. The World Health Organization has classified the outbreak as a grade 2 emergency, triggering immediate containment measures. Local hospitals in Beni and Goma have been overwhelmed, with isolation units operating at 150% capacity.
Key Points
- ✅ First national team camp cancelled mid-preparation cycle
- ✅ Sudan strain confirmed in eastern DR Congo
- 💡 WHO declares grade 2 emergency, escalating response protocols
The cancellation marks the first time a World Cup-bound national team has scrapped a training camp due to a disease outbreak. The Congolese squad, ranked 68th globally, was set to train alongside players from Europe and South America, raising biosecurity concerns among visiting teams. The federation’s emergency meeting in Lubumbashi on Friday night produced no alternative venue proposals, leaving players in limbo.
| Region | Confirmed Cases | Active Clusters |
|---|---|---|
| North Kivu | 9 | 4 |
| South Kivu | 2 | 1 |
| Ituri | 1 | 1 |
Health authorities have traced the outbreak to a funeral in Butembo, where multiple mourners contracted the virus. Genetic sequencing shows the strain matches one last detected in Uganda in 2022, suggesting cross-border transmission. The Congolese government has deployed military patrols to enforce quarantine zones around affected areas, while the Red Cross has begun door-to-door symptom screening in high-risk neighborhoods.
📋 By The Numbers
- 70% — Mortality rate for Sudan strain in confirmed cases
- 150% — Current occupancy rate of isolation units in eastern DR Congo
FIFA has not yet commented on the cancellation but has previously warned member associations about health risks. The organization’s medical committee is expected to review the situation in Geneva on Monday. Meanwhile, the Congolese Football Federation is exploring domestic training options, though Kinshasa’s Stade des Martyrs remains the only venue with FIFA-compliant facilities. Players have been advised to self-isolate and undergo daily temperature checks.
💡 Pro Tip
Teams traveling to DR Congo for future fixtures should secure private medical evacuation coverage before arrival, as public health infrastructure in outbreak zones remains under severe strain.
The cancellation comes as the national team prepares for crucial 2026 qualifiers against Morocco and Gabon in November. Coach Sébastien Desabre, who took charge in June, has not indicated whether the squad will train in a different African city or delay preparations. The federation’s next board meeting is scheduled for October 8, where a final decision on alternative arrangements may be made. Until then, players remain in their clubs, with no indication of when training will resume.