World Cup Playoffs: DR Congo tipped to qualify ahead of Super Eagles, others

Femi Fabunmi

Former DR Congo captain Youssouf Mulumbu believes the current national team is strong enough to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

DR Congo first played at the World Cup in 1974 in West Germany (then called Zaire) in a group with Brazil, Scotland, and Yugoslavia.

Now, 51 years later, DR Congo is in the playoffs with Cameroon, Nigeria, and Gabon for another chance to reach the 2026 tournament. They finished as one of the best second-placed teams in qualifying.

The Leopards will play Cameroon in Rabat on Thursday. The winner will face the winner of Nigeria vs Gabon in the playoff final on Sunday.

If DR Congo wins the African playoffs, they will move to the inter-continental playoffs in March 2026 in Mexico, where two World Cup spots are available. Mulumbu is confident the team can get there.

“When I played, the team had many gaps. We had to rebuild and show that playing professionally didn’t stop you from representing your country. We wanted to qualify for the World Cup, but it didn’t happen. I hope this generation can do it for 2026,” Mulumbu said.

DR Congo’s coach, Sébastien Desabre, named a 25-man squad for the playoffs, including players from England, France, Spain, and other European leagues. Mulumbu says this makes the team stronger and more organized.

“Today’s team is more united. Defensively, they are solid and concede few goals.

And in attack, with Bakambu having a big day, they are dangerous. Before, we relied more on individual talent. Now it’s a smart, organized team,” he added.

DR Congo could have qualified directly if Senegal had not won their last game. Senegal beat Mauritania 4-0, while DR Congo beat Sudan 1-0, finishing second in Group B.

The winner of the African playoffs will proceed to the international playoffs scheduled for Mexico in March next year for the final ticket to the Mundial in 2026.