Title: South Sudan set to challenge DRC in 2026 World Cup qualifier
Introduction (150-200 words):
South Sudan, an independent country since 2011 and ranked 163rd in the FIFA rankings, finds itself in Group B of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, alongside big teams like Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Despite its position as a small thumb, the South Sudanese selection does not intend to make up the numbers and is preparing enthusiastically to face the behemoths of African football.
Italy coach Stefano Cusin, in charge of the South Sudan team, sees these matches as an opportunity to progress and develop local football. He relies on a mix of players playing in the South Sudanese championship, made up of professionals and semi-professionals. In this hybrid championship, salaries are modest, rarely exceeding 250 euros per month, but this does not undermine the players’ determination to represent their country with pride.
Development (300-400 words):
Despite its status as an emerging nation on the football scene, South Sudan is enjoying encouraging progress. His U20 selection, made up mostly of local players, qualified for the quarter-finals of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, where they faced The Gambia. The progress of South Sudanese football can also be seen at the U17 level, who were also qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations in their category, but were unfortunately excluded from the tournament due to player age issues.
South Sudan is also counting on the rivalry with its neighbour, Sudan, to generate enthusiasm and the involvement of supporters. Coach Cusin is discussing the possibility of hosting the fixtures in Juba, at the city’s new stadium, to create a stimulating atmosphere and give his players a home advantage.
Conclusion (100-150 words):
Despite the challenges and limited resources, South Sudan approaches World Cup 2026 qualifying with determination and optimism. The passion and talent of local players, combined with the experience and teaching of Italian coach Stefano Cusin, could allow this young nation to surprise against more experienced teams like the DRC. Anyway, the presence of South Sudan in these qualifications is already a victory in itself, and an opportunity for football to make a place for itself on the international scene.