🔴 World Cup 2026: Congo withdraws! (Official)

The dream collapses for Congo! Following the suspension imposed by FIFA due to government interference, the Red Devils will not play the next two World Cup 2026 qualifying matches.

The clashes against Tanzania and Zambia, initially scheduled for this international break, are officially canceled.

Defeats confirmed by default

It should be noted that since last February 5, FIFA has suspended the Congolese Football Federation, penalizing the direct intervention of political authorities in its management.

Without the lifting of the sanction, the decision has been made: Congo will automatically lose its two matches by a score of 3-0.

This scenario is reminiscent of the third round of qualifiers, where the Congolese team had already been penalized against Niger. Today, with no points and at the bottom of Group E, the team has no chance of qualifying for the final phase of the 2026 World Cup.

Here is the Group E standings:

1. Morocco: 9 points
2. Tanzania: 6 points
3. Niger: 6 points
4. Zambia: 3 points
5. Congo: 0 points (disqualified)

An uncertain future for Congolese football

Thus, the crisis between the Ministry of Sports and the Congolese Football Federation seems far from resolved. As long as the situation persists, Congo risks missing not only international competitions but also compromising the development of its football.

FIFA, unwavering in the face of this type of interference, maintains its position. The suspension will only be lifted when the federation's autonomy is restored. For fans and players, it is a time of frustration and uncertainty.

Congo-Brazzaville pays a high price. Deprived of competition, it will now have to overcome this crisis to regain its place on the international stage.

Amine Jomni |

Editorfr

African football writer and sports journalist covering football news, stories and insights while sharing his expertise with fans across the continent.