Kinshasa, March 22nd, 2026 (CPA) – The Congolese Football Association (FECOFA) has announced the start of the Leopards’ training camp on Sunday, ahead of the intercontinental play-off for the 2026 FIFA World Cup scheduled for March 31st in Mexico, according to the federation’s social media platforms. “The long-awaited moment has arrived. Our Leopards answer the call of the Nation, carried by an entire people and a history to be written in Guadalajara, where much more than a match is at stake,” the statement read.
According to sources consulted Sunday by CPA, the March 31st fixture carries deep symbolic significance: “A dream, a pride, a collective destiny—every step, every effort, and every heartbeat brings us closer to the World Cup.” The Leopards’ camp is described as being in full swing, just like the entire nation, which is eagerly awaiting what promises to be a historic match in Guadalajara, Mexico, between the DRC and the winner of the clash between New Caledonia and Jamaica in the final of the intercontinental play-offs, qualifying for the 2026 World Cup finals scheduled from June 19th to July 11th in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
This final is considered historic as it could secure qualification for the DRC Leopards, 52 years after their first appearance at the 1974 World Cup in Germany. However, for the start of the training camp announced for Sunday, no detailed schedule has yet been provided regarding the arrival of players in Mexico. The semi-final match will take place on March 26 between New Caledonia and Jamaica, while the final will be played on March 31 between the DRC and the winner of that semi-final.