World Cup 2026 (Q): Congo push to play at home

Will the Red Devils get the chance to play in front of their own fans again for their two June matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers? That is the big question. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation had announced that Morocco would be hosted by Congo in Kinshasa on 11 June, on matchday four, but the Congolese government is adamant that the Red Devils must play in Brazzaville.

For several days now, the Congolese authorities have ordered work at the stadium to be sped up, in particular the laying of the new synthetic pitch, so that Congo can play both of their matches at home.

One week behind schedule

The new synthetic pitch bought by the Congolese state is FIFA Quality Pro certified. And while the first phase of the work went well, it has fallen a week behind the delivery date, which had been set for 30 May.

Read also: World Cup 2026 (Q): Congo's squad to face Niger and Morocco

"We are a week behind what was planned. But we are trying to make up the time," said Franklin Ngwese of the company Greenfields, which is in charge of carrying out the work. He was speaking during a recent visit to the stadium by Congo's Sports Minister, Hugues Ngouélondélé. The workers are now working day and night so that the stadium is ready by the end of May, ahead of a quick CAF inspection at the start of June. Several other areas of the stadium already meet the required standards, notably the press conference room.

Congo are due to host Niger and Morocco on 6 and 11 June respectively, in the 3rd and 4th rounds of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. After Eritrea's withdrawal, the Red Devils found themselves bottom of Group E with zero points. Playing in front of their own fans should give Isaac Ngata's men a real boost in motivation as they look to get back into the race for the 2026 World Cup.