DR Congo keep focus on AFCON before March World Cup play-off | OneFootball

According to L'Équipe, DR Congo are keeping their focus on the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco from 21 December to 18 January, despite booking a place in March’s intercontinental play-off final for the 2026 World Cup.

They earned that shot by drawing 1-1 then beating Nigeria 4-3 on penalties on 16 November in the African play-offs. One hurdle remains in March, against the winner of the intercontinental play-off semi-final between Jamaica and New Caledonia, which would take them to a first World Cup in 52 years in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Head coach Sébastien Desabre says the World Cup talk will not distract his squad. He is not anticipating that at all. Since his arrival in August 2022, the Leopards have been on an upward curve.

He believes AFCON could help build stronger structures thanks to the number of possible matches, which would be an advantage for March. It could also boost cohesion and help assess newcomers.

DR Congo are ninth among African nations in the FIFA ranking and 56th worldwide. The aim in Morocco is at least the quarter-finals. World Cup ambitions can wait until then.

Source: L'Équipe