DR Congo arrives in Mexico for crucial 2026 World Cup play-off final

DR Congo have officially commenced preparations for their decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup intercontinental play-off, with the team opening a training camp in Mexico on Monday, March 23.

With a place at the global showpiece on the line, the Leopards are leaving no stone unturned as they gear up for the final showdown scheduled for March 31, where they will face either Jamaica national football team or New Caledonia national football team.

Head coach Sébastien Desabre has named a 26-man squad for the crucial assignment, with several players already arriving in Mexico to begin early preparations.

Among the first group to report to camp are Brian Bayeye, a late inclusion brought in as a replacement for Jérémy Ngakia, as well as Axel Tuanzebe and Edo Kayembe.

The early arrivals signal the team’s intent and focus as they aim to secure qualification for the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup. The intercontinental play-off presents a final opportunity for DR Congo to book a historic ticket to the tournament, which will be co-hosted across North America.

As part of their build-up, the Congolese side will engage in a preparatory friendly match against the Bermuda national football team on March 25. The encounter is expected to provide Desabre and his technical team with a valuable platform to assess player fitness, test tactical setups, and build cohesion within the squad.

With anticipation building ahead of the decisive clash, the focus within the camp remains firmly on fine-tuning strategies and ensuring peak readiness. The coming days in Mexico will be critical for the Leopards as they seek to sharpen their edge and rise to the occasion in what promises to be a defining moment for Congolese football.

Qualification would mark a significant milestone for DR Congo, and the early signs from camp suggest a team fully aware of the magnitude of the task ahead—and determined to seize the opportunity.