DR Congo's World Cup build-up has been derailed by an Ebola outbreak, prompting the cancellation of a three-day pre-tournament training camp and a public send-off in Kinshasa. A scheduled friendly with Chile was also barred by local authorities, leaving the squad with only a single warm-up match. The team's only recent test, a 0-0 draw with Denmark in Liège, offered scant opportunity to fine-tune tactics. With preparation limited, the squad must cement cohesion and sharpen its game plan before the tournament opener to avoid a shaky start.
DR Congo take on Portugal on the road in the FIFA World Cup Group K 2026 clash on Wednesday. DR Congo average 1.67 goals per away game in their last six away matches (W3, D2, L1) and are a well-drilled unit under Sebastien Desabre and have enjoyed as much recent success as Portugal across all competitions (W7, D2, L1). Desabre has steered DR Congo since taking over in August 2022, instilling a disciplined style of play which sees them lock down in a compact mid-block and defend in a rigid defensive shape. The Leopards are quick in transition and use the wings to get in behind the opposition in numbers when the ball is recovered.
World Cup Group K
