Congo's World Cup Preparations Impacted by Ebola Concerns

The Democratic Republic of Congo's World Cup warm-up against Chile will occur behind closed doors in Orleans due to Ebola concerns. The squad, training in Marbella, must meet U.S. health protocols before entering. They will move to Houston for matches against Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan.

The Democratic Republic of Congo's final warm-up match for the World Cup against Chile is set to occur without spectators in Orleans, France, on Tuesday. The change of venue, originally planned to be in Cadiz, Spain, was due to concerns over the Ebola outbreak in the central African nation.

The team has been preparing in Marbella, Spain, following a 10-day training camp in Belgium, where they played a goalless draw against Denmark. According to U.S. officials, to enter the country for the World Cup, all teams must remain outside the DRC for 21 days and show no symptoms of Ebola.

The Congolese squad, primarily European-based players, along with a few officials from the DRC, are adhering to these protocols. After their stint in Spain, they will head to their World Cup base in Houston. Their Group K fixtures will see them face Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan throughout June.