World Cup 2026: DR Congo arrive in United States ahead of tournament

The national team of Democratic Republic of the Congo have arrived in the United States, becoming the last African side to land ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Leopards’ arrival marks the completion of travel arrangements for African nations participating in the expanded tournament, with teams now settling into their respective base camps across the United States, Canada and Mexico as final preparations intensify.

DR Congo will begin their Group Stage campaign against Portugal on June 17, a high-profile opener that pits them against one of Europe’s traditional heavyweights.

The fixture is expected to provide an early test of their ambitions in a tournament where they are aiming to make a strong statement on the global stage.

The squad touched down in the United States after concluding their pre-tournament preparations, with focus now shifting to acclimatisation, tactical refinement, and recovery ahead of their opening match.

Their presence completes Africa’s representation in the competition, as attention turns to how the continent’s teams will perform on football’s biggest stage.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is set to be the largest edition of the tournament in history, and expectations are high as teams enter the final phase before kick-off.