2026 World Cup: DR Congo seek crucial win over Sudan to keep pressure on Senegal

DR Congo will look to keep their 2026 FIFA World Cup dream alive when they host Sudan in their final Group B qualifier at the Pentecost Martyrs Stadium in Kinshasa on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT.

The Leopards remain in the hunt for automatic qualification but must claim all three points to stay within touching distance of group leaders Senegal.

Sebastien Desabre’s side sit second with 19 points—two behind Senegal—after winning six, drawing one, and losing two of their nine matches.

Their narrow 1-0 victory away to Togo last week, sealed by Cedric Bakambu’s early strike, ensured their hopes remained intact heading into the final round.

With qualification within reach for the first time since 1974, the Leopards are eager to deliver in front of their home supporters.

DR Congo boast one of the group’s best defensive records, conceding only six goals so far, and will aim to build on that stability.

Desabre may be forced into one change after midfielder Charles Pickel suffered a head injury against Togo; Ngal’ayel Mukau is expected to step in.

Lionel Mpasi should continue in goal, while Bakambu will once again spearhead the attack, supported by Nathanael Mbuku and Ibrahim Mayele, who registered an assist last time out.

Even if they fall short of automatic qualification, a playoff spot remains a realistic fallback, making Tuesday’s match pivotal.

DR Congo have the upper hand historically, winning three of their last five meetings against Sudan, although they lost 1-0 in the reverse fixture.

Sudan, meanwhile, travel to Kinshasa with little more than pride to play for after their goalless draw against Mauritania last week ended their qualification hopes.

The Falcons of Jediane, ranked 116th in the world, have endured another disappointing campaign, collecting 13 points from three wins, four draws, and two losses.

Their biggest problem has been a lack of firepower, having gone three games without scoring.

Head coach James Kwesi Appiah will look to end the campaign on a positive note.

Forward Saif Thierry, with nine goals in 29 caps, could return to the starting XI alongside Mohamed Eisa, who has scored twice in five appearances.

With home advantage and history on their side, DR Congo are expected to dominate proceedings.

Victory in Kinshasa would keep their World Cup hopes alive—and move them one step closer to ending a 52-year wait for football’s biggest stage.