World Cup 2026: DR Congo face Chile in final test before tournament opener

DR Congo will complete their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday when they face Chile in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Stade de la Source in Orléans.

The match, scheduled to kick off at 19:00 GMT, represents the final opportunity for Sébastien Desabre and his players to fine-tune their plans before the start of the tournament.

With the World Cup now only days away, the Leopards will be aiming to build confidence and momentum ahead of their long-awaited return to football’s biggest stage.

DR Congo go into the match after a disciplined defensive display against Denmark on 3 June. The Leopards held the European side to a goalless draw, a result that highlighted the team’s growing defensive organisation and resilience.

While the clean sheet offered encouragement, the encounter also revealed areas where improvement is still required. Against Chile, Desabre’s men will look to maintain their defensive solidity while showing greater efficiency in attack as they continue their preparations.

Their opponents arrive in Orléans after a 2-1 defeat to Portugal, providing another competitive test for the Congolese side before the tournament begins.

For DR Congo, the focus extends beyond this friendly fixture. The match forms part of the final stage of preparation for a World Cup campaign that carries historic significance for the nation.

The Leopards are preparing for their first appearance at the tournament since 1974, ending a wait of more than five decades to return to the global stage.

That achievement alone has generated excitement among supporters, but attention is now turning to what the team can accomplish once the competition gets underway.

Their World Cup journey begins on 17 June in Houston, where they will face Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in their opening group-stage match. DR Congo will then take on Colombia on 24 June in Zapopan before concluding the group phase against Uzbekistan.

Those fixtures present a demanding challenge, making Tuesday’s encounter with Chile an important opportunity to sharpen tactical preparations and strengthen confidence within the squad.

As the countdown to the World Cup continues, this new generation of Congolese players has one final chance to demonstrate its readiness.

A positive performance against Chile would provide another encouraging sign that the Leopards are prepared for the challenges that await on their return to the world’s biggest football tournament.