DR Congo’s historic World Cup qualifying berth sparks excitement, but a sudden Ebola outbreak forces the national squad to abandon a planned training camp in Kinshasa. The move comes as authorities scramble to contain the outbreak, which has claimed 139 deaths among 600 suspected cases.

With the camp cancelled, officials have shifted preparations to Belgium, where the team will hold pre‑tournament friendlies. Matches against Denmark on June 3 in Liège and Chile on June 9 in Marbella remain on schedule, allowing players to fine‑tune form before the finals in Qatar.

The outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain, has no available vaccine; the World Health Organization warns a suitable jab could take up to nine months to develop. While the health crisis dominates local headlines, the national team’s European fixtures provide a critical window to showcase talent and secure a place in the global spotlight.

By relocating to Belgium, DR Congo sidesteps domestic disruptions while keeping squad cohesion intact. Fans in Kinshasa now face uncertainty, but the team’s resolve to compete remains firm. Their upcoming matches will decide whether the nation can translate qualification into a memorable World Cup campaign.