DR Congo’s Final World Cup Warm-Up Against Chile to Be Played Behind Closed Doors

DR Congo will play their final preparation match ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup without supporters in attendance after health concerns linked to Ebola prompted authorities to enforce strict precautionary measures.

The friendly against Chile is scheduled to take place on Tuesday in Orléans and will be played behind closed doors.

The match was originally planned to be held in Cadiz, but local authorities reportedly blocked the fixture as a preventive measure, forcing organisers to relocate the game to France.

The Leopards are set to make their first appearance at the tournament since 1974, when they competed under the name Zaire. After decades away from football’s biggest stage, DR Congo will be looking to make a strong impression when they begin their Group K campaign against Portugal on June 17.

The African side will then face Colombia and Uzbekistan in their remaining group-stage fixtures.