FIFA WC 2026: DR Congo's change of program ahead of camp

The American protocol that traps the Leopards
The countdown to the 2026 World Cup has begun, but the journey of the Congolese beasts already feels like an obstacle course. The American authorities have tightened their access conditions to the territory: any traveler who has stayed in the DRC during the last 21 days is denied entry into the United States.

For the national team, the impact of this decision is immediate. Initially, the program provided for a mini-internship in Kinshasa starting on May 25. If the players had set foot in the Congolese capital, they would have been blocked at the US border, making it impossible for them to participate in the opening match against Portugal on June 17. Faced with this case of force majeure, the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA) had to react urgently.

Brussels, new base camp
To save the DRC’s participation, the technical staff made a 180-degree turn. The players' rallying point is officially moved to Belgium. Congolese internationals playing abroad will go directly to Brussels without passing through Central Africa. A choice allows for the incubation period required by Washington to be respected while maintaining the pace of training.

It is from Europe that the Leopards will refine their automatisms, with preparation games planned against Denmark and Chile.

On a purely sporting level, this change of scenery also allows for a more relaxed management of the squad’s contingencies, like the late integration of Aaron Tshibola, who was called in as a backup to compensate for the absence due to injury of defender Rocky Bushiri.

Towards a missed appointment with the fans
If the European solution saves player participation, it leaves a bitter taste in the country. This return to the World Cup, awaited since 1974, was to give rise to a huge national celebration.

The health measures imposed by the United States do not just target the team; they hit the public hard. Fans residing in the DRC are denied visas, which means that the Leopards will have to play in Houston, Guadalajara or Atlanta without their traditional "twelfth man".

Moreover, the entire symbolic aspect of preparation is swept away. Fans will not be able to cheer on their idols during the open sessions initially planned at the Stade Tata Raphaël. Even more striking, the traditional official ceremony for the presentation of the national banner by President Félix Tshisekedi to Captain Chancel Mbemba will not take place.

It is therefore in the isolation of Belgian infrastructures that the DRC will have to draw the mental strength necessary to transform this frustration into a rage to win on the ground.