DR Congo defender Gédéon Kalulu has issued a strong warning to rivals, asserting that the Leopards are a disciplined, patient, and highly competitive team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Returning to the global stage for the first time since competing as Zaire in 1974, the squad relies on its defensive solidity, athleticism, and a tight-knit roster that successfully navigated the intercontinental playoff.
Drawn into Group K with Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan for the 2026 World Cup, Kalulu stated that they will look major opponents in the eye without fear.
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“It doesn’t matter who we’re up against. It’s the World Cup, so we’re bound to come up against some big names,” Kalulu told FIFA.com.
“We’re there because we’ve got what it takes. We’ll have to look them in the eye, without being afraid or nervous.
“It’s the biggest competition of all, the one we’ve been watching on TV since we were little. We’re going to play for our blood, our roots – it’s incredible. It’s an extraordinary country, a country with a population of 100 million. 100 million people! I don’t think people even realise. It’s been 52 years – more than half a century – since the Congolese last experienced the excitement of the World Cup!
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“We shouldn’t necessarily rank them below Portugal. Those two matches won’t be any easier than the first one. In any case, we know we’re not going to the World Cup with a team that’s a cut above the rest and will steamroller everyone.
“When we’re in the right frame of mind, it’s tough to beat us. We have a disciplined team that knows how to be patient.
“We’ve shown that we’re capable of sitting back, letting the opposition have the ball, and causing them problems when we win it back by surging forward quickly and in numbers.”
