Pre-World Cup 2026 friendlies: RD Congo-Denmark, likely lineups

Wednesday at 8 p.m. in Liege will see the start of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s final training camp ahead of their upcoming 2026 World Cup debut scheduled for June 17 against Portugal. For the Congolese, the European training camp has become mandatory since the venue was moved from the original Kinshasa due to the Ebola outbreak in the country.

Denmark is one of the big outcasts from the rainbow competition having missed out on qualification after a painful playoff elimination at the hands of the Czech Republic.

Desabre opts for a very closed and covered team in the defensive phase. In goal Mpasi will be protected by a four-man line composed of Wan-Bissaka and Tuanzebe, flanked by the experience of Mbemba and Masuaku. In midfield, Moutoussamy and Sadiki will act as a dam in the middle of the field while Elijah and Bongonda will be tasked with pushing on the side lanes to supply the attacking tandem composed of Wissa and Bakambu.

Riemer responds with a more balanced team between the various departments. Hermansen will defend the posts, protected in the center by Andersen and Hogsberg with Bah and Maehle in the role of full-backs. In the midfield, Eriksen’s direction and experience will be supported by the dynamism and physicality of Hojbjerg and Hjulmand. The offensive trident sees outfielders Isaksen and Dorgu ready to center to serve the lone forward Rasmus Hojlund.

Probable lineups
RD Congo (4-4-2): Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Masuaku; Elia, Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Bongonda; Wissa, Bakambu. All. Desabre
Denmark (4-3-3): Hermansen; Bah, Andersen, Hogsberg, Maehle; Eriksen, Hojbjerg, Hjulmand; Isaksen, Hojlund, Dorgu. All. Riemer