During the international truce, national teams from around the world compete in a qualifying race for the 2026 World Cup. In Africa, the match between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan was particularly noteworthy. This match, crucial for the playoffs, resulted in a convincing victory for the Congolese, who dominated their opponent with a score of 4 to 1. Several players playing in the French championship were present in the Congolese teams, including Chancel Mbemba, Dilane Batubinsika and Nathanaël Mbuku, demonstrating the importance of this competition for the development of African football.

The Democratic Republic of Congo opened the score thanks to Cédric Bakambu, former player of the Olympique de Marseille, who scored a double shortly after half an hour of play. Nathanaël Mbuku, MHSC attacker, then added a third goal, assisted by Yoane Wissa, former player of FC Lorient and currently in Newcastle. Yoane Wissa himself finished the score by scoring the fourth goal. South Sudan managed to score a damage reduction goal thanks to Keeer Mangar Majak, but this was not enough to reverse the game.

This significant victory allows the Democratic Republic of the Congo to take the lead in Group B African qualifications with a comfortable four-point lead over Senegal. Although Senegal has one less game to play, the DRC is well positioned to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Senegal, with a total of 12 points, is currently third, tied to South Sudan. The qualification of the DRC is therefore an encouraging prospect for Congolese football and a sign of the rise of African football on the international stage.