Ebola outbreak forces Congolese squad to prepare for World Cup in Belgium
The football team of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) will carry out part of its World Cup preparations in Belgium due to the recent Ebola outbreak in its own country.
A new Ebola outbreak is currently underway in Congo. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there have already been an estimated 139 deaths and nearly 600 suspected cases. Although the epidemic may continue for several more months, the risk of a global pandemic is currently considered low.
Due to the situation, the Congolese Football Association has decided to cancel part of its pre-tournament preparations at home and relocate to Belgium. On 3 June, Congo will play a friendly match against Denmark at Standard’s stadium.
The World Cup host nations announced on Monday that additional health checks would be introduced at the borders. Foreign World Cup visitors who have spent the past 21 days in Uganda, Congo or South Sudan will be denied entry. However, US officials emphasised that the Congolese squad is training in Europe and is therefore not subject to those measures. Furthermore, none of the selected players currently play in the Congolese league.
By winning the intercontinental play-off against Jamaica, Congo qualified for the World Cup for the second time in its history. Its previous appearance (as Zaire) was in 1974. At the World Cup, Congo will compete in Group K. The Congolese will open their campaign on 17 June in Houston against Portugal. This will be followed by matches against Colombia on 24 June in Guadalajara and against Uzbekistan on 28 June in Atlanta.
The football team of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during a match warm-up © PHOTO Ulises Ruiz / AFP
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