World Cup 2026 - Arthur Masuaku: "We have marked the history of an entire people"

You have just participated in the World Cup, how do you rate the performance of the DRC?

‎Arthur Masuaku: We had a very good World Cup, we made history for an entire people by qualifying for the second round of the World Cup for the first time and I am very happy. Now that's in the past, we have to focus on what's next.

‎The DRC was eliminated in the round of 16 by England (2-1) after having led for a long time. What explains letting it slip at the end of the match?

‎I wouldn't say we cracked; the match was tough against a top football nation. Nobody would have given us a chance to even get out of the group stage but we did it. We're progressing well and the hardest part is keeping the level and doing even more, continuing to move forward.

‎You are returning to your club, Sunderland, after your loan spell in France. Do you think your strong performances at the World Cup will allow you to get more playing time at your club or have a better career in the future?

Honestly, I don't know. At the end of the month I will return to training at my club, I will play and regarding the rest of my career my agent will handle it. For now I'm going back to my club.

‎With the level the DRC has reached at the World Cup, do you think it is now ready to win the AFCON?

‎‎It takes a lot of elements to win an AFCON, there's no room for luck but we are well placed. We are on an upward trend and in the future that's the goal.

‎The Leopards squad has been getting along well for a while, what is the secret to this conviviality?

We are all pulling in the same direction, Congo is a very big country and we are aware of the responsibility on our shoulders. Also, we have been together for a long time, the coach has set rules and we respect them. Every time we're on national duty, we don't even want to leave each other, we're like brothers. I am not surprised by the results we're having today, it's the fruit of this harmony that exists within the team.