The Democratic Republic of Congo national football team, known as the Leopards, began a training camp in Liège, Belgium, on May 25, 2026, as part of their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The camp, which runs until May 30, includes players from both domestic and international clubs.
According to the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA), the team will face Senegal on June 5 in Dakar and Togo on June 9 in Kinshasa. These matches are crucial for Group B standings, where the Leopards currently sit second behind Senegal.
Head coach Sébastien Desabre has called up a 24-man squad, including key players like captain Chancel Mbemba (Marseille) and striker Cédric Bakambu (Real Betis). The training in Liège focuses on tactical drills and physical conditioning.
The Leopards aim to secure their first World Cup appearance since 1974. The qualifiers for the 2026 tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, feature 54 African teams competing for nine spots.
