World Cup: “DR Congo will need reinforcements” – Bakambu

The DR Congo’s qualification for their second FIFA World Cup was achieved through a tortuous fashion across Africa and the inter-confederation playoffs.

The Central Africa nation booked a spot in the CAF playoffs in Morocco where they successfully eliminated Nigeria 4-3 on penalty shootouts after a grueling 1-1 draw at full time to qualify for the inter-confederation playoffs.

🎙️ 𝗖𝗘́𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗖 𝗕𝗔𝗞𝗔𝗠𝗕𝗨 🇨🇩

« Honnêtement, on aura toujours besoin de renforts, que ce soit avant, pendant ou après la Coupe du monde. Maintenant, il faut noter que voilà, on sort d’un parcours de qualification plus qu’éprouvant après 13 matchs. Donc déjà, je tiens à… pic.twitter.com/av8q9UVNDu

— 𝗭𝗳𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹 (@_Zfootball) April 16, 2026

Zaire, as they are formerly known needed Burnley defender, Axel Tuanzebe’s only goal to beat Jamaica and qualify for their second ever World in 52 years.

There have been several calls debates for manager, Sebastien Desabre to augment the squad with players in the diaspora.

For Cédric Bakambu, 35, who played a key role in the team’s qualification, had this to say about those calls.

DR Congo qualified for World Cup via playoffs

“Honestly, we’ll always need reinforcements, whether before, during, or after the World Cup.

“Now, it’s worth noting that we’ve just come through a truly grueling qualifying run after 13 matches.”

The Real Betis winger, who played three matches and scored one goal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations praised the team’s hardwork.

“So first off, I’d like to congratulate all my teammates for this outstanding journey, and I hope we’ll finish it in style out there at the World Cup.” He told Canal+ Sport 4 channel.

DR Congo first qualified for the World Cup in 1974 as Zaire and they will look to make a good impact and not just add up to the numbers.

They join Colombia, Portugal and Uzbekistan in Group K for the World Cup to be co-hosted by Mexico, Canada and USA in June.