The Democratic Republic of Congo have cancelled a pre-World Cup event in the Central African nation following an Ebola outbreak that has claimed over 300 lives.
The announcement wipes out a three-day camp in the capital, Kinshasa, where members of the national team were scheduled to host a farewell event with fans before departing for next month's World Cup. Team spokesman Jerry Kalemo confirmed the decision to the Associated Press.
A rare form of Ebola known as Bundibugyo has killed 300 people and infected over 600 at the time of writing, with the World Health Organization describing the outbreak as concerning.
Due to the development, the Leopards will now focus on competing in international friendly games against Denmark in Belgium on June 3 and Chile in Spain on June 9.
DR Congo have been drawn in Group K for this year's World Cup alongside Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan. Their match against Colombia will take place in Mexico, while the games against Uzbekistan and Portugal will be held in Atlanta and Houston, respectively.
FIFA is closely monitoring the situation. Football's governing body stated, "FIFA continues to work with all three FIFA World Cup 2026 host countries' governments, including the US Department of State, CDC and Department of Homeland Security; Mexico's Secretariat of Health and the Public Health Agency of Canada; as well as with the World Health Organization, to ensure a safe and secure tournament."
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