DR Congo moved their World Cup preparations to Europe after an Ebola outbreak forced the cancellation of a planned training camp in Kinshasa.
DR Congo have been forced to alter their World Cup preparations after an Ebola outbreak led to the cancellation of a planned training camp in Kinshasa. The Leopards will now continue their buildup in Belgium ahead of their first World Cup appearance since 1974.
The outbreak in eastern DR Congo has already caused more than 130 suspected deaths and nearly 600 suspected cases. The World Health Organization has classified the situation as a public health emergency of international concern.
The Congolese federation had originally scheduled a public training session in Kinshasa for May 26. A farewell ceremony involving President Félix Tshisekedi was also planned before the squad departed for the tournament.
Those arrangements were cancelled after travel restrictions linked to the Ebola outbreak complicated entry procedures into the United States. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed that non-American citizens who had recently visited DR Congo, Uganda or South Sudan would face entry restrictions.
Team spokesperson Jerry Kalemo confirmed that preparations would now continue in Belgium instead. He added that the team’s friendly matches against Denmark and Chile would proceed as scheduled. DR Congo will face Denmark in Belgium on June 3 before meeting Chile in Spain on June 9. The squad is expected to arrive in the United States on either June 10 or June 11.
The situation has had limited impact on the players themselves because the entire squad is based outside DR Congo. Most members of Sébastien Desabre’s squad play in Europe, while several others are active in the Middle East.
Some team staff based in Kinshasa reportedly left the country early to avoid complications with the 21-day travel rule. Team manager Dodo Landu insisted the disruption was manageable because the squad had only planned to spend three days in the capital.
The Leopards will use Houston as their tournament base during the competition. FIFA has also remained in contact with the federation while monitoring health and security developments surrounding the outbreak.
Desabre recently announced a squad built around experienced internationals and Europe-based talent. West Ham defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Newcastle forward Yoane Wissa headline the selection after both committed their futures to DR Congo.
Captain Chancel Mbemba, veteran striker Cédric Bakambu and midfielder Samuel Moutoussamy also retained their places. Gaël Kakuta earned a surprise recall despite limited appearances over the last two years. DR Congo qualified for the World Cup after winning an intercontinental playoff in Mexico. Their qualification sparked celebrations across the country as the nation secured a first appearance at the finals since competing as Zaire in 1974.
The Leopards enter the tournament in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan. Their opening match comes against Portugal in Houston on June 17. They then face Colombia in Guadalajara on June 23 before concluding the group stage against Uzbekistan in Atlanta on June 27. The squad will rely heavily on attacking options such as Wissa, Bakambu and Simon Banza.
Wan-Bissaka arrives after nine appearances for DR Congo since switching allegiance from England. Axel Tuanzebe also earned selection after scoring the extra-time winner in the playoff victory over Jamaica.
The Leopards will now focus entirely on their European preparations before flying to the United States next month. Friendly matches against Denmark and Chile are expected to help Desabre finalise his preferred lineup.
Despite the disruption caused by the Ebola outbreak, DR Congo remain determined to make a strong impression at their first World Cup in 52 years.
Goalkeepers: Lionel Mpasi (Le Havre), Timothy Fayulu (FC Noah), Matthieu Epolo (Standard Liege)
Defenders: Chancel Mbemba (Lille), Axel Tuanzebe (Burnley), Arthur Masuaku (Lens), Gedeon Kalulu (Aris Limassol), Joris Kayembe (Genk), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham United), Aaron Tshibola (Kilmarnock), Steve Kapuadi (Widzew Łódź), Dylan Batubinsika (AEL)
Midfielders: Noah Sadiki (Sunderland), Charles Pickel (Espanyol), Edo Kayembe (Watford), Samuel Moutoussamy (Atromitos), Ngal'ayel Mukau (Lille), Nathanaël Mbuku (Montpellier), Meschak Elia (Alanyaspor), Brian Cipenga (Castellón), Gaël Kakuta (AEL), Théo Bongonda (Spartak Moscow)
Forwards: Simon Banza (Al Jazira), Yoane Wissa (Newcastle United), Fiston Mayele (Pyramids FC), Cédric Bakambu (Real Betis)
Manager: Sébastien Desabre
