Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo enter the decisive stage of their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign locked in a tense battle for Group B supremacy.
The Lions of Teranga sit at the summit with a narrow two-point lead over the Leopards, setting up a dramatic conclusion to the group stage.
Senegal’s crucial 3-2 victory over DR Congo in Kinshasa reshaped the group’s dynamics and placed qualification firmly within their control.
The 2022 African champions must now maintain their momentum in their remaining fixtures to secure an automatic spot at the tournament. They will travel to face South Sudan on 10 October before hosting Mauritania four days later in what could be the defining match of the group.
The stakes could not be higher for Aliou Cissé’s side, who have displayed consistent form throughout the qualifiers. With a two-point cushion, they know that two more wins will guarantee their place at the 2026 World Cup without relying on other results. The players remain focused on finishing the job, aware that any slip-up could reopen the door for their closest challengers.
For DR Congo, the road to qualification appears far more complicated. Sébastien Desabre’s men must defeat both Togo and Sudan in their final two matches to keep their World Cup hopes alive. Even then, their fate will not be entirely in their own hands. They need Senegal to drop points in at least one of their remaining games to leapfrog them and claim top spot in the group.
The Leopards’ campaign has been defined by resilience and determination, but the setback against Senegal has placed them under immense pressure. Victory alone will not suffice; they must now rely on a twist of fortune elsewhere to book their ticket to the finals.
The stakes of the final two rounds go beyond qualification. For Senegal, they represent an opportunity to confirm their status as Africa’s leading footballing nation, following their continental triumph in 2022. For DR Congo, they offer a chance to return to the global stage and reassert themselves among Africa’s elite.
Fans across the continent are eagerly anticipating the climactic finish, with every goal and result capable of swinging the balance. Group B’s final matches promise high drama, tactical battles, and emotional moments as both teams fight to turn their World Cup dreams into reality.
Decisive Group B Fixtures:
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10 October: South Sudan vs Senegal
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10 October: DR Congo vs Togo
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14 October: Senegal vs Mauritania
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14 October: Sudan vs DR Congo
The battle lines are drawn, and the margin for error is minimal. Senegal’s destiny remains in their hands, while DR Congo must fight and hope for a crucial favour.
The outcome of this long-distance duel will decide who takes their place among the world’s best in 2026.
