World Cup 2026: Arthur Masuaku recounts the epic journey of DR Congo

you just participated in the World Cup. How do you assess DR Congo's performance?

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

DR Congo was eliminated in the round of 16 by England (2-1) after leading in the score for a long time. What explains breaking down at the end of the match?

I wouldn't say we broke down; the match was tough against a top football nation. No one would have given us a chance to even pass the group stage, but we did it. We are developing well and the most difficult thing is to maintain the level, to do even more and to keep moving forward.

You are returning to Sunderland after your loan in France. Do you think your performances at the World Cup will allow you to get more playing time at your club or to take a new step in your career?

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

With the level DR Congo reached at the World Cup, do you think the team 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 very well positioned. We are on an upward trajectory and, in the future, that's the goal.

The Leopards' squad has got along well for a while now. What is the secret to this friendliness?

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