The Democratic Republic of the Congo national football team played a friendly match against Chile on Tuesday as part of their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The game took place behind closed doors at the Stade de la Source in Orléans, France, as reported by Sports.fr.
Kickoff was at 17:00. No French television channel broadcast the match live, leaving fans to follow the action through other means. This was the second friendly in a short period for DR Congo, following a 0-0 draw with Denmark just six days earlier.
Why was the match played in Orléans?
The fixture was originally scheduled to be held in La Línea de la Concepción, Spain. The mayor of that city refused to host the Congolese team, citing an Ebola epidemic in the country. This last-minute refusal forced organizers to find an alternative venue swiftly. The Stade de la Source in Orléans was selected, ensuring the match could go ahead.
This unusual situation disrupted the Leopards' logistical preparations. It also meant both teams played without any fan support, a condition of the late relocation.
What was the purpose of this fixture?
This match was a key part of an intensive preparation series for the 2026 World Cup. The team aimed to refine its play and test tactical options against quality opposition. Football outlet football365.fr highlighted the squad's ambition, stating: "Sensation du football africain depuis 2025, la République Démocratique du Congo aborde cette Coupe du monde 2026 avec des rêves plein la tête."
Their opponents, Chile-known as La Roja-provided a stern test. Although Chile did not qualify for the 2026 World Cup, they remained a tough opponent. Football365.fr noted: "Non qualifiée pour cette édition, la Roja devrait tout de même offrir une opposition coriace à la RDC." The expected lineups for both sides had not been announced at the time of the initial report.
Which World Cup group are DR Congo in?
The Leopards have been drawn in Group K for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They will face Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan. This demanding draw necessitates rigorous preparation, underlining the importance of friendlies like the one against Chile. Experienced players, such as former Marseille defender Chancel Mbemba, have a vital role in guiding the team toward this major objective.
You can view the full squad list for this campaign on our squad page. The schedule for upcoming friendly matches is also available in our fixtures section.
What is next for the Leopards?
Following this double-header against Denmark and Chile, the national team will continue its preparation cycle. The technical staff will analyze individual and collective performances from these two behind-closed-doors matches. The goal remains to fine-tune the squad and tactical systems before the global tournament.
The next squad gathering is expected in the coming weeks, likely with more preparation matches scheduled. Detailed statistics from these preparatory games can be found on our stats page. DR Congo will begin their Group K campaign against Portugal on June 14, 2026.
