Former DR Congo captain Youssouf Mulumbu says the current national team has the quality to compete with Africa’s best and secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
DR Congo, who last appeared at the World Cup in 1974 (as Zaire), are now in the African playoffs alongside Cameroon, Nigeria, and Gabon for a chance to reach the intercontinental qualifiers in March 2026. They face Cameroon in Thursday’s semi-final in Rabat and could meet the Nigeria–Gabon winner in Sunday’s final.
Mulumbu, speaking to CAFOnline, said he believes this generation can achieve what his could not. “This team is cohesive, defensively strong, and well-organised,” he said, praising striker Cédric Bakambu and coach Sébastien Desabre’s leadership.
Desabre’s 25-man squad features players from top European leagues in England, France, and Spain. DR Congo narrowly missed direct qualification after finishing second in Group B behind Senegal, despite a 1–0 win over Sudan in October.
