Cancelled matches, dignity trampled: Should DR Congo give up its preparation before the World Cup?

On June 2, 2026, the mayor of La Línea de la Concepción, Juan Franco, banned the friendly match between DR Congo and Chile scheduled for June 9, citing Ebola risks. The Leopards, training in Belgium since May 25, already played Denmark without incident. The White House demands a 21-day quarantine before the World Cup, where DR Congo is in Group K with Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan. Sports Minister Didier Budimbu called the decision disproportionate.