Nathanael Mbuku: Montpellier winger ready for World Cup playoffs

DR Congo have a chance to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals if they weave past the inter-confederation pathway qualifiers.

The Central African nation eliminated Nigeria in the CAF play-off to progress to the next phase of the qualifiers where they will await for the winner between New Caledonia and Jamaica this month.

🚨 | Nathanaël Mbuku se confie à cœur ouvert !

Lors d’une interview avec son club, Montpellier Hérault, l’ailier congolais est revenu sur son fort attachement à la RDC, à l’approche de la grande finale de barrage prévue ce 31 mars.

🗣️ « Le Congo, c’est toute ma vie… pic.twitter.com/CG6v8HQMQu

— Actu Foot RD Congo 🇨🇩 (@ActuFootRDCongo) March 25, 2026

Montpellier winger, Nathanaël Mbuku has expressed confidence in helping the side chalk success if given the chance.

In an interview with Montpellier’s media outlet, he reflected on his strong attachment to the DRC, as the big playoff final approaches on March 31.

Nathanaël Mbuku has 14 caps for DR Congo

“The Congo, it’s my whole life today. We can achieve something magnificent and historic for the Congolese.”

Mbuku switched allegiance to play for DR Congo in 2024 after representing France at various youth levels up to the U-23.

The-year-old earned a debut call up for DR Congo’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea and Ethiopia in September 2024.

He was a member of the Leopards’ 2025 Africa Cup of Nations squad, scoring a goal in four matches as they exited the tournament in the round of 16 following a 1-0 extra-time loss to Algeria in Rabat on January 6.

He has made 24 appearances with three goals and six assists for Ligue 2 side Montpellier this season.

He previously played for Augsburg, St Etienne, Dinamo Zagreb as well as Stade Reims.