By Gloria Ogbonna
A highly anticipated international friendly soccer match between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Chile has been cancelled by local authorities in Spain due to concerns surrounding the ongoing Ebola outbreak affecting parts of Africa.
The match was scheduled to take place on June 9 in the southern Spanish town of La Línea de la Concepción, located in the Andalusia region near Gibraltar. The exhibition game was intended to serve as an important warm-up fixture for the Congolese national team as it prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The cancellation comes as a significant disappointment for players, coaches, and fans, particularly because the DRC is preparing for a historic return to the world’s biggest soccer tournament. The African nation will be making its first World Cup appearance in more than five decades, having last qualified in 1974 when the country competed under the name Zaire.
Local authorities ultimately decided that public health concerns outweighed the sporting benefits of hosting the match. Mayor Juan Franco of La Línea de la Concepción announced the decision after consulting health experts and reviewing reports regarding the Ebola outbreak currently affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), the outbreak has resulted in more than 900 confirmed cases and over 220 deaths as of late May, raising concerns among health officials and government leaders across Europe.
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EVERYBODY PANIC! The head of the World Health Organization says the Ebola outbreak in Congo is spreading rapidly and poses a “very high” risk at the national level https://t.co/gluJ9YczVI
— Breitbart News (@BreitbartNews) May 23, 2026
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Spanish newspaper ABC reported that Mayor Franco cited potential public health risks as the primary reason for cancelling the event. While emphasizing that the decision was difficult, he explained that local health authorities had strongly advised against authorizing the match under the current circumstances.
“We regret having to make this decision because an international match of this level would have been a major attraction for our city,” Franco reportedly said. “However, the health situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo regarding the Ebola virus, combined with the information provided to us, does not completely eliminate the possibility of risk. Under these circumstances, we believe this is the most prudent course of action.”
The mayor acknowledged the economic and cultural benefits the match would have brought to the city but stressed that public safety must remain the top priority.
The World Health Organization (W.H.O.) on Sunday declared an ever broadening Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighboring Uganda a global health emergency. https://t.co/TyUrlBqeMr
— Breitbart News (@BreitbartNews) May 17, 2026
Despite the cancellation, efforts are reportedly underway to salvage the fixture in a modified format. Chile’s national soccer federation has proposed holding the match behind closed doors without spectators in attendance.
The Chilean squad had already begun preparations for the international window and traveled to Lisbon, Portugal, ahead of scheduled friendlies against both Portugal and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Speaking to Spanish news agency EFE, Chile national team general manager Felipe Correa confirmed that discussions were ongoing among all parties involved, including the Congolese football federation, match organizers, and stadium officials.
“We are currently in conversations with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the event organizers, and the stadium owners to evaluate the possibility of playing the match without fans present,” Correa said.
He added that the teams hoped to receive an update soon regarding whether the game could proceed under revised conditions.
“The idea is to play the match in Spain. It is feasible to do so without an audience. The Congolese delegation has already undergone medical testing, and we would like to take advantage of this important competitive opportunity to ensure the game can still be played,” Correa explained.
The Chilean official also pointed out that the DRC is scheduled to participate in another international friendly against Denmark in Belgium, highlighting that the team continues to travel and compete while following health protocols.
“They have taken every precaution possible ahead of the World Cup and do not want any health issues affecting their preparations,” Correa said. “Political authorities are considering additional factors beyond the sporting aspect.”
International football governing body FIFA is reportedly maintaining close communication with the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA) to ensure that players, coaching staff, and officials remain informed about all medical recommendations and safety requirements.
While Chile failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the country’s national team is using these international friendlies as part of a rebuilding and development process aimed at preparing for future competitions, including qualification campaigns for the 2030 World Cup.
For the Democratic Republic of the Congo, however, the stakes are considerably higher. The nation is eagerly preparing for its long-awaited return to the World Cup stage after a 52-year absence. The Congolese squad is scheduled to begin its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Portugal on June 17 at Houston Stadium in Texas.
As health concerns continue to intersect with international sports, the cancellation serves as a reminder of the challenges organizers face when balancing public safety with major sporting events. Whether the match can be rescheduled or played behind closed doors remains uncertain, but both teams continue to explore options that would allow the fixture to proceed while ensuring the safety of everyone involved.
Source Breitbart
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