DR Congo call up Pyramids star Fiston Mayele for crucial 2026 World Cup play-off camp

Pyramids FC have confirmed that striker Fiston Mayele has received a call-up to the DR Congo national football team ahead of the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup play-off.

Mayele will link up with the Congolese national side during their upcoming training camp scheduled to take place in Guadalajara, Mexico, later this March.

The camp forms part of the Leopards’ preparations for the decisive play-off matches that will determine whether they secure a place at the World Cup.

DR Congo are set to face the winner of the clash between New Caledonia national football team and Jamaica national football team, who will meet on March 31 in Mexico. That encounter will determine the Leopards’ opponent in the semi-final of the play-off tournament.

Should DR Congo progress past the semi-final stage, they will then compete in the final of the play-off competition, where victory would secure qualification for the World Cup.

Mayele’s inclusion in the squad comes on the back of another productive season with Pyramids FC. Since the start of the current campaign, the striker has featured in 33 matches across all competitions, scoring 10 goals and providing one assist for the Egyptian outfit.

On the international stage, the forward has already built considerable experience with the Congolese national team. He has earned 36 caps for DR Congo, scoring five goals and contributing two assists during his time with the Leopards.

If DR Congo successfully navigate the play-offs and secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup, they are expected to be placed in Group 11, where they would face strong opposition from Portugal national football team, Uzbekistan national football team, and Colombia national football team.

For Mayele, the upcoming camp and potential play-off matches represent a major opportunity to help his country return to the world’s biggest football stage while continuing his impressive form at club level.