The Democratic Republic of the Congo required thirteen matches to seal qualification for the 2026 World Cup, overcoming several opponents along the way, including the Super Eagles.

Their place was secured through the intercontinental playoffs, where an extra-time goal from Axel Tuanzebe earned a 1–0 victory over Jamaica's Reggae Boyz.

The Congolese Association Football Federation (FECOFA) have embarked on an aggressive recruitment drive, successfully persuading a number of dual-national players to commit to the Leopards, with fewer than ten members of the current squad actually born in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Following the penalty shootout defeat, the Super Eagles submitted a formal protest to Fifa, claiming that the Democratic Republic of Congo had fielded several ineligible dual-national players, but the complaint was ultimately dismissed.

Highly respected African football journalist Thomas Kwenaite praised the Leopards' for their standout performances against African heavyweights Nigeria and Cameroon.

"The main thing is that they are back. And when you look at the way they played during the qualifiers, beating both Cameroon and Nigeria in particular, they were the better team," Kwenaite said on SuperSport's Soccer Africa, as monitored by allnigeriasoccer.com. 

The seasoned pundit further emphasised the quality and determination shown by the Congolese side, noting that their approach set them apart from their rivals throughout the campaign.

"They were the better team, they played so well. You could see they were the hungrier of the so-called big teams. I am very happy," Kwenaite concluded. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel