FIFA WC 2026: DR Congo shifts attention after AFCON exit

The year 2026 is a very ambitious year for the Leopards of the DRC who maintain their dream to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The Congolese cats are going to seek their qualification in Mexico next March by facing the winner of the confrontation between Jamaica and New Caledonia during one of the finals of the intercontinental play-offs.

AFCON 2025 as a test ahead of World Cup qualifiers


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‎The Leopards did not leave Morocco successful in terms of result. Semi-finalists in Côte d'Ivoire, they were eliminated from the eighth final in Morocco by Algeria in the final minutes of extra time.  If the final result was not as expected, the Congolese used this competition as a good stage to prepare these intercontinental qualifiers. 

High-level matches against Senegal and Algeria, even against Benin. 

«The AFCON 2025 page is turned for us. The competition was at a good level. There, we focus on our big goal of the year, qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. We have a good team with good cohesion, we are going to seek this qualification and we will get it. 

said Chancel Mbemba, captain of the team.

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Possible changes in March 2026

‎During the AFCON 2025 some players did not make a good impression. There could therefore be reshuffling in the Leopards' squad in March for these intercontinental playoffs of the 2026 world championship. this is what several sports analysts think, like Richard Kadima. 

 'the leopards have a good frame and a good collective, However, many players did not give satisfaction like Balikwisha, Mayele or even Mbuku. Simon Banza hasn’t played any matches. This leads us to believe that Coach Desabre can make some changes in March but without disrupting much either."

 he said. 
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After the AFCON, the different Leopards returned to their different clubs, eagerly awaiting the publication of the list of selections for these intercontinental playoffs.