World Cup qualification will be a big achievement – Former DR Congo captain Gabriel Zakuani

Former DR Congo captain Gabriel Zakuani insists 2026 World Cup qualification will be a big achievement, as the team gears up for the intercontinental World Cup playoff next year.

The Central African giants upset the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the continental playoff World Cup playoff final in Morocco, earning them a slot for the intercontinental playoff in March 2026.

DR Congo are just one win away from securing qualification to the global showpiece for the first time after 51-year absence.

However, Gabriel Zakuani has called on the Leopards to eschew complacency in their quest to secure qualification.

“It’s a good draw, because on paper we are the stronger side,” the 39-year-old told BBC Sport Africa.

“We knocked out Cameroon and Nigeria so there’s a chance we could take the game a little easier or come across as over-confident.

“But I think the way the manager Sebastien Desabre has got us playing there’s nothing to take for granted.

“We need to make it to the World Cup because we haven’t been there since 1974. That is a long time for a big African nation like DR Congo, and this is a massive opportunity.”

According to Zakuani, it will be a huge achievement for DR Congo if they are able to secure a spot for the World Cup, to be staged in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

“If we get to the World Cup, it will be huge for the country,” he said.

“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.”

DR Congo will now face either Jamaica or New Caledonia in a winner-takes-all encounter in Mexico next March.