DR Congo: Portugal coach Martinez welcomes challenge

DR Congo’s journey to qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has drawn massive plaudits across the African continent and the global stage.

The latest high profile personality to shower the Central African nation with applause, is Portugal manager Roberto Martinez.

🎙️ 𝗥𝗢𝗕𝗘𝗥𝗧𝗢 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗜́𝗡𝗘𝗭

« Félicitations à la 𝗥𝗗𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗚𝗢 🇨🇩 , c’est une équipe que je connais bien. Lorsque j’étais sélectionneur de la Belgique, il y avait beaucoup de joueurs ayant la double nationalité. Notamment Joris Kayembe, par exemple, a fait ses débuts… pic.twitter.com/7jIwbbNBzo

— 𝗭𝗳𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹 (@_Zfootball) April 8, 2026

The Leopards booked Africa’s 10th World Cup ticket after Axel Tuanzebe’s solitary goal in extra time sank Jamaica during the inter-confederation playoffs last month.

DR Congo qualified through playoffs

Roberto Martinez, who once saw DR Congo left-back, Joris Kayembe’s Belgium debut during his time as the national team coach, said.

“Congratulations to the 𝗗𝗥 𝗖ongo, it’s a team I know well.

“When I was the coach of Belgium, there were many players with dual nationality.

“Notably Joris Kayembe, for example, made his debut with me and now plays for Congo.

“Much respect for what they’ve accomplished, an African team playing in Mexico and beating Jamaica, which is more accustomed to the continent, it’s not easy.

“It’s now time to prepare for the first World Cup match, which is always important.”

DR Congo eliminated West Africans Nigeria at the CAF playoffs in Morocco via a 4-3 penalty shootouts victory after the entire proceedings ended 1-1.

After making their first ever World Cup appearance in 1974 as Zaire, DR Congo ended a 52-year jinx during the final qualifier in Mexico.

They are paired in Group K alongside Portugal, Uzbekistan and Colombia for the tournament billed for Canada, USA and Mexico in June.