2026 World Cup: the Léopards in search of a first victory

The DR Congo Leopards can still make even more history at the World Cup. After scoring their first goal and earning their first ever point in the competition’s final stage by holding Portugal to a draw in the opening match (1-1), the Congolese now have their sights set on their first ever victory. This goal could be achieved as early as tonight during their second match against Colombia, scheduled in Guadalajara (2am GMT).

After their first match against Portugal, the Leopards had 5 days of recovery to prepare for Colombia. This was enough time to better approach this second game, said coach Sébastien Desabre. “We recovered well because we had used a lot of energy in the match against Portugal. We prepared for the game against Colombia like any other match and we can’t wait for it to start. Colombia is a team that likes possession and forward momentum, we hope to set up a system that will allow us to win,” he stated.

The team is in good spirits

Harmony reigns in the Leopards' camp; everyone wants to work for the team and all the players believe in a victory against Colombia. Midfielder Charles Pickel shows great determination ahead of this match. “It’s going to be a different game from the one against Portugal, we’re going out there to win and we’ll give everything to make it happen,” he said.

The Leopards squad is doing very well; among the players who have had a lot of game time and those who have not yet played since the training camp in Europe, there is great team spirit as everyone contributes to the team’s welfare, said Dylan Batubinsika, who has not yet played a single minute. “We’re lucky to have a great group, we’re like brothers and we’ve been together for more than 3 years and the squad lives really well. Of course everyone wants to play but in the end it’s Congo that wins. If I get the chance to play, I’ll take it and if it’s someone else, it’s always in the team’s best interest; the coach sets up strategies to enable the team to win,” he confided.

The Leopards arrived in Guadalajara on Monday evening for this match which, if successful, could open the doors to the round of 16 for them.