DR Congo proposes behind-closed-doors Chile friendly after Spain cancellation

DR Congo has proposed playing its June 9 World Cup warm-up against Chile behind closed doors after authorities in La Línea de la Concepción, Spain, cancelled the fixture on Tuesday over Ebola-related health concerns. Head coach Sébastien Desabre said the team will adapt to any arrangement that safeguards public health while preserving match practice. Organisers are assessing alternative venues and formats and expect clarity once host-city medical guidance is confirmed.

Team officials said a no-spectators option would reduce crowd risk while keeping competitive preparation for both sides intact. Any change must align with both federations’ travel plans and comply with medical advice in the prospective host jurisdiction. Operational reviews include stadium availability, security planning and broadcast logistics, with a decision to follow medical clearances.

The proposal is intended to preserve match rhythm without compromising safety, staff added. Both delegations would coordinate closely on timelines and facilities if the friendly proceeds without fans. Contingency planning aims to keep pre‑tournament work on schedule for what would be the country’s first World Cup appearance since 1974.

Spanish host rescinds June 9 approval

Mayor cites regional health guidance

The mayor of La Línea de la Concepción withdrew approval for the Chile friendly as a precaution, acting on recommendations from the Andalusia regional government’s health service. Warm-up matches are planned well in advance, but local public‑health directives take precedence when risk assessments change.

DR Congo’s behind‑closed‑doors proposal seeks to address local concerns by removing spectator risk while preserving match readiness. Organisers are expected to review alternative sites in the coming days and coordinate with both federations before confirming venue and operations.

Camp relocation and medical protocols

Belgium base and FIFA coordination

The squad relocated a planned domestic training camp to Belgium after an Ebola outbreak was declared in eastern DR Congo in mid‑May. Desabre said the change has not disrupted daily work, with players already based in Europe and able to train at full intensity.

Team doctors are in regular contact with FIFA’s medical department to align procedures at training and, if needed, on matchdays. Staff said standard precautions are in place and the current set‑up provides stable conditions to manage workloads and recovery.

U.S. entry requires 21‑day isolation

United States authorities said on May 22 that DR Congo’s delegation must complete a 21‑day isolation period before being permitted to enter the country for the World Cup. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada and Mexico, requiring careful sequencing of friendlies, training loads and travel.

Logistics staff are mapping a timetable that accommodates the isolation requirement alongside any adjustments to the Chile fixture. Coordination with local authorities in any prospective host city will be central to confirming match operations and travel windows.

Group K schedule and next steps

First World Cup appearance since 1974

According to the team’s schedule, DR Congo will open Group K against Portugal in Houston, Texas, on June 17. The squad will then travel to Guadalajara, Mexico, to face Colombia on June 24 before returning to the United States to play Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 28. It will be the country’s first World Cup appearance since 1974, when it competed as Zaire.

The status of the Chile friendly remains unresolved following Spain’s cancellation. A decision on the venue and whether the match proceeds behind closed doors is likely after consultations with medical authorities and the two federations, with both teams seeking clarity to lock in travel and training plans. Officials said final confirmation is expected once medical clearances and travel windows are aligned.