Qualifying updates, milestone announcements, friendly match details, and the journey to the 2026 World Cup.
DR Congo put in a disciplined display to earn a 0-0 draw against Denmark in an international friendly. The Leopards showed their defensive resilience ahead of the World Cup, frustrating a strong Danish side throughout and demonstrating their potential as a dark horse in the tournament.
DR Congo produced one of the tournament's early upsets, snatching a 1-1 draw against Group K favourites Portugal in Houston. João Neves had given Portugal an early lead, but Yoane Wissa struck in first-half stoppage time — assisted by Arthur Masuaku — to earn the Leopards a famous point. The goal was DR Congo's first-ever at a World Cup, coming 52 years after their only previous tournament appearance in 1974.
DR Congo finished third in Group K and progressed to the Round of 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams at the 2026 World Cup.