Pan-Africa Football is evaluating each African participant’s performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Next, we take a close look at the DR Congo national team after the Leopards impressed at the tournament.
Result: Round of 32
- Group K: DR Congo 1-1 Portugal
- Group K: DR Congo 0-1 Colombia
- Group K: DR Congo 3-1 Uzbekistan
- Round of 32: DR Congo 1-2 England
What was the objective?
The first sub-Saharan African nation to qualify for the World Cup when the country was known as Zaire in 1974, the Leopards were on a mission to make the country proud after the nation’s World Cup debut ended in embarrassment. The team was expected to compete valiantly for a place in the knockout stages.
Evaluation
Mission accomplished. The team exceeded expectations by drawing Portugal in their opening match before securing their place in the Round of 32 with a thrilling victory over Uzbekistan. After advancing, anything further was a bonus but the team left a strong impression on the world by taking the lead against England before falling victim to two late Harry Kane goals. A success by any measure.
Positives
- Under coach Sébastien Desabre, the Leopards utilized multiple tactical approaches and their excellent counter-attacking ability to achieve favorable results.
- They were able to impose themselves on a weaker opponent (Uzbekistan) and create goals rather than depending on what the opponent gives them.
- We all know the Congolese defense is a sturdy unit against African opponents but they proved that they can limit even the attack of world class teams like Portugal and England.
Negatives
- This team is now very dependent on dual national players and the successful recruitment of these players. Only four member of the World Cup team were developed in Congolese football.
- There is a noticeable lack of depth in the Congolese player pool when looking forward. In a team that features many veterans, many of the current key members will be part of the upcoming AFCON qualifying campaign but the next World Cup is more of a question.
Conclusions: How do the Leopards maintain their success?
Sometimes coaches in African football get too much credit for the success of their teams but there is no doubt that the influence of Sébastien Desabre is massive for the Leopards. The Frenchman’s reputation of getting the most out of his teams is well known at this point but the fact that he has gotten so many dual national players to play for the DRC is remarkable.
Considering how many players of Congolese descent have refused to play for the nation in the past to focus on their club careers, Desabre’s recruitment and leadership abilities signal a coach who is talented at building rapport and fraternity in his teams.
Congolese domestic football does continue to regularly produce talents but the successful recruitment of dual national players allowed this team to dream on the world stage. A large Congolese diaspora has long tempted Leopards supporters but now the team’s success will make the national team more appealing to players of Congolese roots in Europe who may have previously rejected a call in the past.
Of course, bringing in these players must be balanced with maintaining a focus on developing and identifying Congolese-born players who thrive in the Linafoot and other African leagues.
Who are the young players whose roles can grow as the veterans age out?
Desabre elected to go with many experienced players for this tournament but there are a few players who have been identified as stars for the future.
Central midfielder Noah Sadiki is the type of player who can potentially become a superstar if he continues to develop at Sunderland. His impressive engine and high work rate is already there but his technical ability is strong and growing day by day.
Playmaker Nathanaël Mbuku is a technical attacker whose talents have been unlocked after previously starring for French youth national teams and being known for inconsistency. Imposing central midfielder Ngal’ayel Mukau is another who is making strides and a potential central partnership with Sadiki could be massive for the Leopards.
