World Cup 2026: DR Congo arrive in United States ahead of historic return to global stage

DR Congo has officially arrived in the United States ahead of their long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup, marking the beginning of a historic chapter for the Leopards after a 52-year absence from football’s biggest tournament.

Led by head coach Sébastien Desabre, the Congolese side landed on American soil on Friday following an intensive preparation programme in Europe. The squad had previously held a training camp in Liège, Belgium, before continuing their preparations in Malaga, Spain, ahead of the global showpiece co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The arrival of the Leopards has generated excitement among Congolese supporters, who have waited more than five decades to see their national team compete at the World Cup once again. The country’s football federation celebrated the team’s arrival with a powerful message highlighting the significance of the moment.

“Fifty-two years of waiting summed up in one objective: to make the Democratic Republic of Congo shine on top of the world,” the federation said in a statement shared on social media.

With the tournament already underway, the focus within the Congolese camp has shifted entirely to preparations for their opening Group match against Portugal on June 17. The encounter will be a major test for Desabre’s men as they seek to make a strong start against one of Europe’s traditional football powers.

Following the Portugal clash, the Leopards will take on Colombia on June 24 before concluding their group-stage campaign against Uzbekistan on June 28. The three matches will determine whether the Central African nation can advance to the knockout stages and continue its remarkable World Cup journey.

For many players in the current squad, the tournament represents the fulfilment of a lifelong dream. The opportunity to represent DR Congo on the biggest stage in world football carries added significance given the nation’s long absence from the competition.

The country’s only previous World Cup appearance came in 1974, when it competed under the name Zaire at the tournament held in West Germany. Since then, generations of Congolese footballers and supporters have waited for another opportunity to compete among the world’s elite nations.

Desabre has been credited with helping transform the national team into a competitive force once again, guiding the Leopards through a successful qualification campaign and restoring belief among supporters. Expectations are high that the team can make a positive impression during its return to the global stage.

With the countdown to their opening fixture continuing, the Congolese squad is now settling into its American base and making final preparations for the challenge ahead. The players know they carry the hopes of millions of supporters back home as they prepare to write a new chapter in the country’s football history.

After 52 years of waiting, the Democratic Republic of Congo is back at the World Cup, and the Leopards will be determined to ensure their return is remembered for all the right reasons.