DR Congo’s final warm-up match ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Chile will take place without fans due to health concerns associated with Ebola. Authorities have implemented strict precautionary measures, resulting in the decision to hold the friendly match behind closed doors.
Scheduled for Tuesday in Orléans, the match was initially set to occur in Cadiz, Spain. However, local authorities in Cadiz blocked the fixture as a preventive measure, prompting the organizers to relocate the game to France.
The Leopards are preparing for their first World Cup appearance since 1974, when they competed as Zaire. After a long absence from football’s premier tournament, DR Congo aims to make a significant impact when they open their Group K campaign against Portugal on June 17.
Following their match against Portugal, the African team will also face Colombia and Uzbekistan in their remaining group-stage games.