The Democratic Republic of Congo will take on Mali in a high-profile international friendly in France on 5 June, the Congolese Football Federation (Fecofa) has confirmed.
The match will be held at the Stade de La Source in Orléans, with kick-off scheduled for 8:00 p.m. local time. The encounter marks the first of two friendlies lined up for the Leopards during the FIFA international window in June.
Three days later, on 8 June, DR Congo will face Madagascar at the same venue, with that fixture set to begin at 4:00 p.m.
The announcement, made official on Thursday, solidifies reports previously revealed by Africasoccer regarding the planned meetings. Both matches will serve as vital preparation for the teams ahead of the crucial final rounds of the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
For DR Congo, who currently top their qualifying group by a narrow one-point margin over Senegal, these friendlies offer an opportunity to fine-tune tactics and assess squad depth.
The Leopards will be looking to maintain momentum and build confidence as they edge closer to securing a World Cup berth.
The fixture against Mali promises to be a stern test. The Eagles, currently sitting fourth in their qualifying group, are three points adrift of second place and one point behind Madagascar.
With their own qualification hopes hanging in the balance, Mali will view this encounter as a key part of their preparations to close that gap in the final stages of the campaign.
Madagascar, on the other hand, will not be part of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, but their friendly against DR Congo still carries significance.
For the Bareas, the match offers valuable playing time and a chance to regroup after missing out on continental qualification.
The clash may also serve as a testbed for emerging talent and tactical experimentation.
Fecofa’s decision to hold both matches in France reflects the strategic use of neutral venues commonly seen during international breaks.
France, home to a large African diaspora and accessible to players based in European clubs, remains a popular choice for such friendlies.
The Stade de La Source in Orléans is expected to draw significant attendance, particularly from Congolese and Malian communities.
These fixtures will provide head coaches with critical insights as they prepare their squads for the competitive matches ahead.
For DR Congo manager Sébastien Desabre, it is a chance to reinforce his team’s structure and test new combinations before the high-pressure World Cup qualifiers resume.
Mali, meanwhile, will be aiming to bounce back from recent setbacks and rediscover the form that once made them a formidable force in African football.
With time running out in the qualification campaign, every opportunity to build cohesion and rhythm is essential.
As the countdown to June begins, all three teams will be hoping that these matches in France provide the ideal platform to sharpen their focus and strengthen their resolve ahead of the battles that lie ahead on the road to the 2026 World Cup.
