Congo: no World Cup qualifier in September
Congo are now cleared to play official fixtures, but the team will pull out of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers
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Still locked in a simmering dispute, the Congolese Football Federation and the Ministry of Sports have opted for a joint working meeting to address the challenges ahead, in particular the reinstatement of the CHAN 2024 team following FECOFOOT's successful appeal.
Several areas of work were discussed between the executive committee and the sports directorate general to agree on upcoming priorities, notably the make-up of the staff who will lead the Red Devils at the CHAN this summer. After consideration, it was decided to keep the existing technical team in place around Italian coach Fabrizio Cesana.
Possible fine or suspension if it happens again
Already eliminated from World Cup qualifying after a disastrous campaign (a 4-2 defeat in Zambia, a 0-6 loss to Morocco, and forfeits against Niger, in Tanzania and against Zambia), the senior national team were due to play out the end of the qualifiers with a home game against Tanzania in September, followed by away trips to Niger and Morocco in October.
However, the September match will not take place, as it was jointly decided not to play the game on the grounds of that early elimination. The decision could have consequences and lead to a possible fine or suspension if it were repeated in October.
At the same time, the Congo Cup will not take place, and Congolese clubs involved in the various continental competitions will have to find their own funding or rely on support from FECOFOOT, with the ministry granting no additional subsidy.
Romain MOLINA