The mayor of La Linea de la Concepcion has cancelled a scheduled pre-World Cup 2026 friendly match involving the Democratic Republic of Congo. This action was taken due to health concerns surrounding an Ebola outbreak in the African nation. Mayor Juan Franco confirmed that he has signed a decree prohibiting the match, which was set to take place on June 9 against Chile.

Franco described the decision as a necessary precaution, aligning with recommendations from the Andalusia regional government’s health department. The mayor underscored the importance of prioritising public health in light of the ongoing situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The mayor also stated that advice from the chief of La Linea’s medical service indicated strong opposition to holding the match due to potential health risks associated with the outbreak.

Health Risks Associated With Ebola Outbreak

The Ebola outbreak was declared in eastern DR Congo in mid-May 2026, raising concerns among local officials in Spain. It is characterised as a highly contagious haemorrhagic fever, necessitating stringent health precautions. The chief of the municipal health service submitted a report advising against hosting such events, which could pose risks to public safety.

The Democratic Republic of Congo national team is currently preparing for the upcoming World Cup and has adjusted its plans following the outbreak. After initially scheduling a training camp at home, the team has opted to stay in Belgium for their preparations, including a friendly match against Denmark set for Wednesday.

Despite the cancellation of the La Linea match, the team is reportedly following safety protocols stipulated by the host nations for the World Cup. They are focused on ensuring the well-being of players and staff while navigating the challenges presented by the ongoing health situation.

Impact on World Cup Participation

The Democratic Republic of Congo has achieved a historical milestone by qualifying for their first World Cup since their appearance in 1974 as Zaire. As part of their World Cup preparations, players will now base themselves in Houston, Texas, where they are expected to adhere to specific health guidelines.

US authorities announced that members of the Congolese squad must undergo a 21-day isolation period before entering the United States for the tournament, which is set to run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across the US, Canada, and Mexico.

During the tournament, DR Congo’s first Group K match will be held on June 17 against Portugal. They are also scheduled to compete against Colombia on June 24 in Guadalajara, Mexico, before returning to the US for a match against Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 28.

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