DR Congo and Equatorial Guinea Win in World Cup Qualifying Opener

Zimbabwe returns to competitive internationals with a draw against Rwanda as African World Cup qualifying begins.

DR Congo began their 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory over Mauritania, with goals from Yoane Wissa and Theo Bongonda.
Equatorial Guinea also started their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 1-0 victory over Namibia, thanks to a goal from Emilio Nsue.
Zimbabwe, returning to competitive internationals after a FIFA ban, drew 0-0 with Rwanda.
The nine group winners in African qualification will qualify automatically for the expanded 48-team tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Zimbabwe will host Nigeria at the same venue in Rwanda for their next qualifier due to lack of a suitable stadium for international competition.