THE DR Congo national team stands on the verge of making history after receiving a highly favorable playoff draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The outcome has significantly strengthened their chances of securing a long-awaited return to football’s biggest stage, a dream that has eluded the nation for decades.
By avoiding Iraq — widely considered one of the toughest teams in the pot — the Leopards have been handed a clearer, more manageable path to qualification. This development has injected a surge of optimism within the squad, whose recent performances have demonstrated discipline, determination, and a renewed fighting spirit.
With only one decisive match now separating them from a World Cup berth, the nation’s collective focus has shifted toward the upcoming showdown. Victory would see DR Congo join the 42 teams already qualified for the expanded tournament set to take place across Canada, the United States, and Mexico in 2026.
For both players and fans, the moment feels monumental. It carries the promise of reclaiming national pride and restoring the country’s legacy in international football after years of stagnation and missed opportunities.
Should they succeed, DR Congo will return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974 — a milestone that would not only reshape the nation’s football narrative but also inspire a new generation of Congolese talent.