November 16, (THEWILL) – The Democratic Republic of Congo began their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with a comfortable 2-0 home victory over Mauritania, on Wednesday.
Yoane Wissa netted the opening goal in the 63rd minute to put the Congolese ahead, before Theo Bongonda sealed the win with a fine individual effort.
The result sees DR Congo, who last qualified for the World Cup in 1974, get off to a winning start in Group B. They will face tougher tests ahead, with Senegal likely to provide the sternest opposition for the top spot in the group and a place in the final qualifying round.
Elsewhere on Wednesday, Equatorial Guinea edged past Namibia 1-0, courtesy of a close range finish from veteran striker, Emilio Nsue. The 34-year-old’s goal was enough to earn the central African country three points in Group H.
The opening match in Group A between Ethiopia and Sierra Leone was halted at half-time due to heavy mist. The 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign will continue over the next two years, with the nine group winners progressing to the final round along with the four best runners-up.
