The Democratic Republic of Congo will end its 52-year World Cup absence on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, when it faces Portugal in their opening Group K match at the enclosed stadium in Houston.
DR Congo coach Sébastien Desabre stated that his squad is highly motivated and intends to take calculated risks to surprise the heavily favored European team.
The African nation, which last competed in 1974 as Zaire, has faced severe logistical disruptions leading into the tournament, including an Ebola virus outbreak back home and severe storm-induced travel restrictions.
Desabre: No Fear, High Motivation
"What we have to do is to deal with the pressure, the pressure of the first game," said Desabre.
The head coach emphasized that his selection of European-based players possesses the necessary speed and competitive edge to disrupt Portugal's defensive game plan.
"There's no fear ahead of those big events," Desabre said.
Desabre also noted that playing with fewer traveling fans due to regional travel curbs serves as an extra catalyst for his squad to target the knockout rounds.
"We also have a great strength that we'll be using on the pitch and we're going to get started with our own specific style of play and we are of course highly motivated and we are excited to play against such a big team," he said.
The team aims to secure at least three to four points in a demanding group that additionally contains Colombia and tournament debutants Uzbekistan.
"So there are different options. We will start with one option...
and based on the balance of power, we'll see," Desabre said.
The manager expressed confidence that the 100 million Congolese citizens watching the broadcast would see a courageous performance from the national team.
"We have 100 million Congolese people who will be watching us," he said.
Desabre acknowledged that containing Portugal's forward line represents a significant physical test for his central defenders during set-piece situations.
"Of course, we want to perform well. We want to show courage.
And we'll do our best on the pitch," he said.
The coach concluded his media remarks by praising the historic capability of Portugal's veteran captain ahead of the high-stakes Group K fixture.
"He's probably one of the best players in football history," Desabre said.
Desabre underlined that the 41-year-old forward remains an elite aerial threat and a focal point for the opposition defense.
"It's a challenge for our defenders and, when it comes to set pieces, he is one of the best," he said.
Players Optimistic Despite Tough Group
DR Congo defender Axel Tuanzebe echoed his manager's optimism, pointing out that recent tournament matches showed heavy underdogs like Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia achieving surprising draws.
"They do have places that we can exploit and get a result from," Tuanzebe said.
The defender noted that public pressure rests almost entirely on Portugal, allowing the Leopards to execute their strategy without outside expectations.
"There's no pressure on us. Most of the pressure's on them, and sometimes pressure can get the better of you.
We want to play our game tomorrow and see where the results lead us," he said.
Tuanzebe recalled that DR Congo proved its resilience during the qualification playoffs against Jamaica, where his extra-time goal secured their World Cup berth.
"We want to have a good World Cup, for sure," he said.
The centerback pointed out that the squad analyzed Portugal's previous qualifying slips against Ireland and Hungary to find tactical vulnerabilities.
"We're not going to set our expectations too high, but we definitely can make an impact to help uplift also African football as well.
We're here to play our part, and let's see how far we can get," Tuanzebe said.
Tuanzebe added that the strong opening performances of Ivory Coast, Morocco, and Egypt proved that African nations can compete with elite global teams.
"It's going to be difficult. The group's very difficult.
I've been saying it from the start: There are no easy games, no easy teams. So, we'll see.
We'll see. But we're optimistic," he said.
Forward Yoane Wissa, who scored 19 English Premier League goals for Brentford before joining Newcastle United, stressed the psychological importance of recent continental successes.
"What they've been doing is just to show the world that African teams are good," Wissa said.
Wissa highlighted that showing continental strength helps change global perceptions of African football quality.
"That's really important," he said.
Portugal enters the tournament amid high domestic expectations, though preparation was hampered by localized Miami storms that forced the cancellation of a key training session.
"I never imagined playing with Cristiano, it's a huge honour to be here with him," said Matheus Nunes, midfielder of Portugal.
The Manchester City player mentioned that the entire squad feels a collective desire to secure the missing global trophy for their veteran captain.
"Everyone knows what a great figure he is. If we can win the title for him, it would be something very big," Nunes said.
Midfielder Bruno Fernandes admitted to feeling a positive nervous anxiety due to the responsibility of representing millions of fans back home.
"Every time we wear this jersey, we feel the same pride, the same passion, and the same sense of responsibility as on the first day.
Tomorrow begins a new chapter," Fernandes said.
The Manchester United player noted that he grew up watching the iconic forward lead Portugal as far back as the 2004 European Championship.
"We've all grown up watching Cristiano Ronaldo play and for us it's such an honor to play next to him now in the same team," he said.
Fernandes added that the team dismissed domestic criticism regarding a brief rest period spent at a private beach near their Florida hotel.
"I think he's also anxious because at the end of the day he's also representing his national team and we know how passionate he is when he plays for Portugal," Fernandes said.
Portugal coach Roberto Martínez confirmed that defender Rúben Dias trained separately due to an unspecified injury and will likely be rested for the opening match.
"It's his sixth World Cup but I can tell you that, internally, it feels like his first when it comes to intensity, emotions and how important it is to be ready," Martínez said.
Martínez dismissed questions regarding reports of his July contract expiration, choosing instead to focus entirely on the immediate attacking options available.
"He's essential to the team, he's the striker, the killer, he can open up space for other players and he's got excellent numbers," he said.
The manager concluded that the veteran's leading presence remains highly influential for the generation of young athletes entering international football.
"He's a role model," Martínez said.
Martínez reiterated that the forward's emotional intensity during daily training sessions has not waned despite his extensive tournament history.
"He's an iconic player in global football for young athletes, children male and female, who start feeling the love for football when playing on the street, and that is wonderful for us.
It is his sixth World Cup but internally it feels like his first World Cup when it comes to his intensity, emotions and ability to lead the group," he said.
