Title: World Cup 2026: South Sudan, a determined adversary for the DRC
Introduction:
In Group B of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, South Sudan is a little thumb. However, this team, which ranks 163rd in the FIFA rankings, intends to give a hard time to its opponents, in particular the DRC. Italian coach Stefano Cusin believes that it is by facing higher caliber teams that his team will be able to progress. Despite limited resources and a hybrid local league, mixing professionals and semi-professionals, South Sudanese football is showing encouraging signs of development. The performance of youth national teams in Africa testifies to their promising potential.
South Sudan’s challenge:
South Sudan, an independent country since 2011, find themselves in a tricky position in Group B of the 2026 World Cup qualifier. With teams like Senegal and the DRC as opponents, the Bright Stars face fierce competition. Still, coach Stefano Cusin sees this as an opportunity for his team to progress. By bringing in players from the local league, which consists of both underpaid professionals and semi-professionals juggling football and other commitments, he intends to tap into the motivation and talent of local players to challenge the big nations of African football.
Encouraging signs of progress:
Football development in South Sudan is not just limited to the senior national team. The performances of the national youth teams also testify to the progress made in the country. The under-20s, largely made up of local players, reached the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations in their category in Egypt. Under-17s were also due to take part in the competition in Algeria, but were ruled out due to some players being older in MRI tests.
A home ambition:
Stefano Cusin also hopes to be able to welcome his opponents to the new Juba stadium during qualifying. Playing against Sudan, considered a derby, adds a special dimension to these matches. Despite limited resources, South Sudan displays unfailing determination and intends to take advantage of this competition to continue to develop its team and highlight the potential of South Sudanese football.
Conclusion:
Although considered an outsider in Group B of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the South Sudan team does not lack ambition. By calling on local players and relying on their motivation and talent, coach Stefano Cusin hopes to create surprise and advance football in his country. Despite the challenges they face, the South Sudan team is determined to give a hard time to their opponents, especially the DRC