DR Congo to face Denmark and Chile in pre-World Cup friendlies

DR Congo are stepping up preparations for their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with two high-profile friendly matches lined up as they fine-tune their playing style ahead of the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Under head coach Sébastien Desabre, DR Congo will face European opposition Denmark national football team and South American side Chile national football team in their final build-up fixtures before the global showpiece kicks off on June 11.

Although the official dates for the friendlies are yet to be confirmed, both matches are expected to take place shortly before the start of the tournament, giving Desabre a crucial opportunity to assess his squad in competitive conditions.

For DR Congo, these matches are more than just friendlies—they represent the final phase of tactical refinement before the biggest tournament in the nation’s football history.

With limited time remaining before the World Cup, every minute on the pitch will be crucial in shaping the final squad and approach.

The Leopards have been drawn into a demanding Group K, where they will face some of the world’s most established football nations.

It is a challenging draw that will test DR Congo’s defensive discipline, physical strength, and ability to compete against technically superior sides.

Despite the difficulty, there is growing optimism within the camp that the team can make an impact on their World Cup debut appearance.

Head coach Sébastien Desabre now faces the task of balancing experimentation with stability. The upcoming friendlies will likely influence final selection decisions, especially in key positions where competition remains tight.

This mix is seen as ideal preparation for the variety of opponents DR Congo will face in Group K. The Leopards will battle it out with Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan.

Qualification for the World Cup has already marked a major milestone for Congolese football, but expectations are steadily rising as the tournament approaches.

With a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talents, the Leopards are aiming not just to participate, but to compete.

The upcoming friendlies will therefore serve as the final rehearsal stage before DR Congo step onto football’s biggest stage, carrying the hopes of a nation into an historic summer.