Sébastien Desabre, the coach of the Democratic Republic of Congo national football team, recently revealed the list of players selected for the upcoming matches against Mauritania and Sudan. These matches are part of the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup which will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
However, a few absences should be noted. Arthur Masuaku, the talented 29-year-old left back playing for Turkish club Besiktas, will not be able to be present. The Fédération Congolaise de Football Association indicated that his non-participation was due to injury. Likewise, Dylan Batubinsika, central defender of Saint-Étienne, was also forced to withdraw due to injury.
These absences are a big blow for the Congolese team, as Masuaku and Batubinsika are key players. Their experience and talent would have been valuable to face Mauritania and Sudan.
However, coach Desabre will have to rely on the other players selected to face these two teams. The competition will be fierce, but with adequate preparation and good team cohesion, the DRC has every chance of winning these matches and moving closer to qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
It is important to emphasize that injuries are an integral part of sport and that the coach will have to demonstrate adaptability to field a competitive team despite these constraints. Selected players will have the opportunity to show their value and stand out on the field.
In conclusion, although the DRC is without two of its key players, the national team can still count on the determination and motivation of the other team members to win the upcoming matches. The 2026 World Cup is a major goal for many countries, and the DRC is no exception. Congolese supporters will be behind their team, ready to support them in this sporting adventure.