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DR Congo's World Cup warm-up against Chile cancelled by Spanish mayor over Ebola fears

Spanish authorities have cancelled the Democratic Republic of Congo's pre-World Cup friendly against Chile in La Línea de la Concepción, citing concerns over the Ebola outbreak in the African nation — despite the vast majority of Congo's squad being based in Europe.

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DR Congo's World Cup warm-up against Chile cancelled by Spanish mayor over Ebola fears
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The Democratic Republic of Congo’s planned World Cup warm-up match against Chile in Spain has been cancelled after the mayor of La Línea de la Concepción, Juan Franco, revoked authorisation for the friendly, which had been scheduled for next week.

Franco’s office issued a statement explaining the move: “The health situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo regarding the Ebola virus, together with the documentation that has been provided to us, which does not fully demonstrate that there is no risk whatsoever, means that this is the most prudent decision.”

The decision came despite almost all of Congo’s players and staff being based in Europe. The Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA) responded on Wednesday, asserting the team’s compliance with “all health, sporting and regulatory requirements” and confirming it was in discussions with relevant authorities and the Spanish Football Federation to find a resolution.

Congo head coach Sébastien Desabre said he was surprised by the cancellation when asked about it at a press conference on Tuesday, but remained optimistic. “I’m sure a solution will be found,” he said, raising the possibility of relocating the match to a different stadium in Spain. He added: “The DR Congo national team respects the decision, which is based on fears of Ebola. We speak with FIFA every day about Ebola. Our doctors are constantly in contact with FIFA, and we strictly follow the health protocols.”

Congo had been using the Chile fixture as their final preparation before departing for the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States. The squad is also scheduled to face Denmark in Liège on Wednesday.

This summer’s tournament marks the DRC’s first World Cup appearance in 52 years — they last competed on the global stage as Zaire in 1974. The team will be based in Houston and opens their Group K campaign against Portugal on 17 June, before facing Colombia in Guadalajara on 23 June and Uzbekistan in Atlanta on 27 June.

The tournament begins on 11 June with Mexico taking on South Africa in the opening match, and concludes with the final in New Jersey on 19 July.

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