World Cup 2026 - African playoffs: DR Congo's journey in the qualifiers | OneFootball

DR Congo's journey through the U17 World Cup qualifiers

DR Congo/@CAF

DR Congo still has a chance to qualify for the 2026 World Cup for the first time in 51 years.

The Leopards had an opportunity to secure direct qualification on the final matchday, but Senegal's 4-0 win over Mauritania consigned them to second place in Group B.

With a 1-0 victory over Sudan, Cédric Bakambu and his teammates finished as the second-best runners-up across the 9 groups with 16 points, trailing Gabon (19 pts).

Despite that, the Congolese can boast an impressive record of 7 wins from 10 matches. However, two defeats—against Sudan (1-0) and Senegal (3-2)—proved costly for Sébastien Desabre's men, not to mention the draw conceded against the Teranga Lions (1-1).

Now, DR Congo must defeat Cameroon on November 13 in Rabat, and then face the winner between Nigeria and Gabon in the final on November 16, to book their place in the intercontinental playoffs.