“Qualifying for the 2026 World Cup will be huge for us” – Former D.R Congo captain Gabriel Zakuani
Former D.R. Congo captain Gabriel Zakuani has opened up on what qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will mean to the country.
According to the 39-year-old, qualifying for the global tournament will be a huge achievement for the country.
“If we get to the World Cup, it will be huge for the country,” he said in an interview with BBC Sport Africa.
Zakuani added, “The achievements of the players will then transpire into politics, the life of kids will be happier, the streets of Congo will be celebrating up until the day until the World Cup kicks off.
“No one has seen this happen for such a long time. This will bring peace, happiness, joy and something to look forward to. It will be so big for DR Congo.”
While Gabriel Zakuani believes the Leopards have a golden chance to end their 52-year absence from the FIFA World Cup, he has cautioned the team against complacency ahead of next year’s crucial playoff.
Should D.R Congo qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Africa will have 10 representatives at the tournament, the highest number in the tournament’s history.
