DR Congo's preparations for their first World Cup appearance in nearly 50 years faced another setback with the cancellation of a friendly match against Chile, originally scheduled for June 9. La Linea de la Concepcion's mayor, Juan Franco, announced the decision, citing health risks associated with the Ebola outbreak. Local health officials advised against hosting the match, prioritizing public health over sporting events. This cancellation adds to the team's challenges, as they had already scrapped a training camp in Kinshasa and are now based in Belgium. The friendly was intended to finalize their preparations before the World Cup, where DR Congo is set to open against Portugal on June 17. The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which currently has no approved vaccine or treatment, further complicating the team's plans. Additionally, the United States has introduced entry restrictions for travelers from DR Congo and neighboring countries, impacting the team's ability to travel and prepare effectively.