The Democratic Republic of Congo's national football team, the Leopards, began a training camp in Liège, Belgium, on May 31, 2026, as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The team is set to face key matches in the coming weeks, with the camp aimed at building cohesion and tactical readiness.
According to the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA), the squad includes a mix of local and diaspora players, with several based in European leagues. The training in Liège is part of a strategy to acclimatize players to European conditions before traveling to match venues.
The Leopards are in Group B of the CAF qualifiers, alongside Senegal, Togo, and Mauritania. Their next match is scheduled against Mauritania on June 8, 2026, in Kinshasa. A win is crucial to keep their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup alive.
Coach Sébastien Desabre emphasized the importance of the camp, stating, 'This is a critical period for us. We need to ensure every player understands their role and is physically ready for the challenges ahead.' The team will play a friendly match against a local Belgian side on June 3 to test their form.
