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Sport: SoccerCountry: SpainCategory: Match Previews

Congo coach addresses Ebola outbreak ahead of World Cup opener

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 11:21 PM

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

Congo coach addresses Ebola outbreak ahead of World Cup opener
Summary

Congo's national soccer team is set to face Portugal on June 17, their first World Cup match in 52 years. Coach Sébastien Desabre stated that while the team's preparation was unaffected, the ongoing Ebola outbreak may limit fan attendance. Affected fans were unable to travel due to CDC travel restrictions, although players were cleared after a 21-day quarantine. The team prepared in Belgium after changes due to health concerns surrounding their training schedule. All 26 players are reported healthy ahead of the tournament.

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Yahoo Sports
Key Details
  • •Congo plays Portugal on June 17 in the World Cup.
  • •Coach Sébastien Desabre says Ebola has not impacted team preparation.
  • •Travel restrictions have hindered fan attendance from Congo.
  • •Team had to relocate due to health concerns over a friendly match.
  • •All 26 players on the roster are healthy and available.
Latest Updates
  • 11:21 PMYahoo Sports — Congo coach says Ebola outbreak 'not an issue' for team's World Cup preparation
What they're saying
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"For the team, for the preparation internally, it was not impactful," Sébastien Desabre said. The coach acknowledged, though, fans have been impacted.

Related Teams & Leagues
Soccer

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