Despite a heartbreaking last-16 exit from the Africa Cup of Nations, the Democratic Republic of Congo's national football team, the Leopards, has immediately shifted its focus to a far grander prize: qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
From AFCON Heartbreak to World Cup Dream
The Leopards' journey in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations was halted on Tuesday by a stunning extra-time strike from Algeria's substitute Adil Boulbina. However, the disappointment was short-lived. Coach Sébastien Desabre swiftly redirected his squad's attention to their monumental opportunity in March. "We must thoroughly analyse what didn't work... and immediately focus on a very, very important objective that awaits us in March," Desabre stated in the aftermath of the Algeria defeat.
This crucial objective is an inter-confederation playoff match in Mexico on March 31, 2026. DR Congo earned this shot by triumphing in a dramatic African playoff last year, defeating both Cameroon and Nigeria. A victory against either New Caledonia or Jamaica in that single match would secure the Leopards their first World Cup appearance since 1974, when they competed as Zaire.
Navigating Controversy and Building a Cohesive Unit
The path hasn't been without controversy. Nigeria has lodged a formal protest with FIFA, challenging DR Congo's World Cup playoff victory over allegations of using ineligible diaspora players. The Super Eagles contend that some players violated dual citizenship rules. While FIFA deliberates, the Congolese camp remains singularly focused on preparation, treating the protest as an external distraction.
The team's resilience was forged in those high-stakes playoff wins. Captain Chancel Mbemba scored a stoppage-time winner to edge Cameroon 1-0. He then sealed the deal again, converting the decisive penalty in a shootout victory over Nigeria—a match whose outcome prompted Nigerian coach Éric Chelle to allude to "some voodoo" at work.
This current DR Congo squad represents a potent blend of experience and diaspora talent. Young stars like Belgian-born Noah Sadiki (21), Matthieu Epolo (20), and Mario Stroeykens (21) have consciously chosen to represent their parents' homeland. "I made that decision of my own free will. There’s a new generation that wants to help the people of the country," Sadiki explained. Under the steady guidance of French coach Desabre, who has been in charge since 2022, these players have moulded into a committed and difficult-to-beat unit.
A Team Playing for More Than Football
The Leopards' successes on the pitch have become a powerful vehicle for raising international awareness about the Democratic Republic of Congo. During the previous AFCON, players wore black armbands to highlight the armed conflict in the country's east. Mbemba and forward Cédric Bakambu regularly use their social media platforms to spotlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Qualifying for the World Cup would exponentially increase this global exposure.
Coach Desabre is optimistic about the future, pointing to untapped potential within local academies and the domestic league. However, his immediate focus is crystal clear. "Every one of us will return, we’ll work. We’ll ask God to keep every player fit. And – if God wants it – in the last match, everything is possible," affirmed Captain Mbemba, echoing the nation's hope. For DR Congo, the dream of a World Cup return is now just one match away in Mexico.
