The Democratic Republic of Congo’s national soccer side called off a planned farewell gathering in Kinshasa after the country’s health authorities flagged a new Ebola flare‑up.
Warm‑up matches go ahead in Europe
Instead of a domestic send‑off, the squad will meet its preparatory fixtures in Belgium and southern Spain, venues chosen before the outbreak intensified.
Global response and U.S. restrictions
The World Health Organization has labeled the outbreak a public health emergency, prompting Washington to institute a 30‑day ban on travelers from Congo, Uganda and South Sudan. The decree, however, carves out an exception for the Congolese team, which has been based in Europe for weeks of training.
Coach Sébastien Desabre and team manager Jerry Kalemo have both praised the players’ resilience, noting that the upcoming matches will serve as a final test before the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.