South Sudan vs DR Congo: World Cup Qualifier Preview

Group B of the CAF qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup resumes on 5 September 2025, when South Sudan hosts the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) at the Juba National Stadium. The stadium opened in 1962 and normally holds around 7,000 spectators, but renovation work aims to expand its capacity to around 19,000. The fixture is part of match‑day 7 of Group B and will be refereed by a Zimbabwean officiating team led by Brighton Chimene

Kick‑off time and how to watch

The match kicks off at 12:00 UTC (8:00 AM U.S. Eastern Time) on 5 September 2025. Fans in the United States can stream the game via FIFA+ or follow live updates on platforms such as Vavel

Form guide and team outlook

DR Congo: group leaders under pressure

After six games, DR Congo sit at the top of Group B with 13 points. Their record of four wins, one draw, and one defeat gives them a +5 goal difference. Under coach Sébastien Desabre, the Leopards have kept clean sheets in their last three competitive fixtures and have developed a strong away record with a 67 % win rate in recent matches. DR Congo’s only defeat in this campaign came against Sudan, a 1‑0 loss last November

The Congolese squad includes Premier League players such as Aaron Wan‑Bissaka and forwards Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu. With Senegal and Sudan only one point behind, DR Congo cannot afford any slip‑ups. A win in Juba would strengthen their grip on the group’s single automatic qualification slot.

South Sudan: playing for pride at home

South Sudan occupies fifth place in the six‑team group with three points. They are winless after six matches, drawing with Mauritania, Togo, and Sudan and losing the other three. The Bright Stars have scored only two goals in the campaign and have struggled to turn half‑chances into goals. Coach Nicolas Dupuis has been optimistic, insisting his players will fight hard despite being huge underdogs.

The teams have met only once before: DR Congo won 1‑0 in their March 2025 qualifier. South Sudan, therefore, has the chance to earn its first‑ever competitive victory over the Leopards. Although qualification is almost out of reach, a positive result at home would be a morale boost for a side still learning to compete at this level.

Group B standings (after 6 matches)

Why the match matters

For DR Congo, this fixture is an opportunity to extend their narrow lead over Senegal and Sudan and move closer to a first World Cup appearance since 1974 (when they competed as Zaire). Dropping points could see them slip to second or even third place with a difficult home match against Senegal looming.

For South Sudan, qualification is unlikely, but playing at home offers a chance to show improvement and please local supporters. Head coach Nicolas Dupuis has emphasised his players’ fighting spirit, and a draw or win against the group leaders would be one of the biggest results in the nation’s brief football history.

Conclusion

The Group B encounter in Juba features two teams at opposite ends of the table. DR Congo arrive as favourites thanks to their strong defence and clinical attackers, while South Sudan hope to make home advantage count and upset the leaders. With only one point separating the top three teams, the match carries significant implications for the group standings. Kick‑off is at 08:00 AM ET (12:00 UTC), and fans can follow the action live on FIFA+ or via match updates. Expect an intense contest as DR Congo chase qualification and South Sudan fight for pride.