Gabriel Zakuani urges caution as D.R Congo edge closer to booking 2026 World Cup spot
Former D.R. Congo captain Gabriel Zakuani believes the Leopards have a golden chance to end their 52-year absence from the FIFA World Cup, but has cautioned the team against complacency ahead of next year’s crucial playoff.
D.R. Congo stunned African heavyweights Cameroon and Nigeria in this month’s continental playoffs, putting themselves within touching distance of a historic return to football’s biggest stage for the first time since 1974.
Their final hurdle will be a decisive inter-confederation playoff against either Jamaica or New Caledonia in Mexico next March.
Speaking to BBC Sport Africa, the 39-year-old said the draw favoured D.R. Congo but stressed the importance of staying grounded.
“It’s a good draw, because on paper we are the stronger side. We knocked out Cameroon and Nigeria, so there’s a chance we could take the game a little easier or come across as overconfident. But I think the way the manager Sebastien Desabre has got us playing, there’s nothing to take for granted,” Zakuani noted.
Zakuani emphasised the weight of the moment, calling on the Leopards to seize their opportunity.
“We need to make it to the World Cup because we haven’t been there since 1974. That is a long time for a big African nation like DR Congo, and this is a massive opportunity,” he added.
Should D.R Congo qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Africa will have 10 representatives at the tournament, the highest number in the tournament’s history.
