Johannesburg (AFP) - The Democratic Republic of the Congo will return to the World Cup finals in June after an absence of 52 years, at a time when the vast country in central Africa is experiencing health and security crises.

Published on: 06/05/2026 - 09:51

A deadly outbreak of the Ebola virus in the east of the country has recorded confirmed deaths.

The Geneva-based World Health Organization warned that the true spread of the epidemic, which is believed to have been spreading out of sight for some time, is much broader.

The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Ethiopian Tedros Ghebreyesus, went to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, pledging to do “everything in my power” to eliminate the outbreak.

Fortunately, none of the 26 stars chosen to represent the Democratic Republic of the Congo at the global event, which is held every four years in the United States, Canada and Mexico, play in the affected areas.

French coach Sebastien Dusaber chose 24 players active in 11 European countries, in addition to one player with Al-Jazira of the Emirates (Simon Panza) and another with the Egyptian Pyramids Club (Feiston Miley).

Dusaber commented on the confrontation with Chile scheduled for next Tuesday, which is pending in Spain after the concerned mayor banned it for reasons of caution. “We are affected by what is happening today. We represent this wonderful country with enthusiasm. We do not give up on the field despite circumstances that force us to adapt,” and he saw that the preparations are taking place “calmly” and “naturally.”

As the Ebola epidemic spreads and scientists race against time to develop a vaccine to combat it, battles continue between government forces and the Rwandan-backed M23 militia.

The country's mineral-rich east has witnessed violence from various armed groups for more than three decades.

Since 2021, the M23 movement has controlled large areas of territory, and the intensity of fighting has escalated since the beginning of last year.

The national team, known as the "Panthers", is conducting a training camp in Europe, during which it tied 0-0 with Denmark on Wednesday, in preparation for the Group Eleven matches against Portugal led by Cristiano Ronaldo, Colombia, and Uzbekistan.

After overcoming a marathon qualifying program of 13 matches that extended from Mauritania to Mexico, Dusaber and his players seek to erase the memories of 1974 in West Germany at that time.

The team, then known as Zaire, was the first team from Sub-Saharan Africa to qualify for the World Cup, but it suffered a humiliating defeat by Yugoslavia 0-9.

The African champion at the time also lost to Scotland and Brazil, and left without scoring a goal.

Against Brazil, defender Mwebo Ilunga became famous when he left his position in the defensive wall and rushed forward to kick the ball intended for a Brazilian free kick.

Strange protest

He later said that his action was a strange protest against the government of President Mobutu Sese Seko for not paying promised bonuses.

It is unlikely that similar behavior will be repeated in the 2026 World Cup, as Dusaber constantly praised the “humility and discipline” of the current squad.

The 49-year-old French coach took over the coaching of the talented but unsuccessful “Panthers” in 2022, and worked patiently to build a strong national team.

Senegal is widely viewed as one of Africa's strongest teams currently, but they tied at home with the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The two teams tied again when they met in the group stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

After finishing the previous edition of Ivory Coast in fourth place, the Congolese were eliminated from the final stage of the 2025 tournament, following a late missile goal from Algerian Adil Boulbena.

Dusaber told reporters, "I did not consider this a decline after what we achieved in Ivory Coast. We came out with many positives from Morocco, even though the journey was shorter than we had hoped."

He added, "Going to the World Cup means that a generation of Congolese will for the first time see their heroes competing in the greatest football tournament."

He continued, "Amidst the country's problems, this can only raise people's morale. My players are fully aware of the positive role they can play by giving their best."

This realistic approach resonates with national team captain and centre-back Chancel Mbemba, a player for French club Lille.

“I give the credit to our coach Sebastian,” Mbemba said. “His humility and hard work ethic were reflected in the players.”

He added, "We are returning to the World Cup after 52 years, and we are preparing to face teams that participate in the tournament every four years."

He continued, "Our promises to the people of Congo are to remain humble, keep our feet on the ground, and work tirelessly to achieve success."

In addition to Mbemba, the Congolese national team includes Real Betis' Spanish striker Cedric Bakambu, Newcastle United's English winger Yoan Wissa, and Sunderland's English midfielder Noah Siddiqui.

© 2026 AFP

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