The Democratic Republic of Congo warmed up for ​their first World Cup appearance in more ‌than half a century with a ​0-0 draw against Denmark on ⁠Wednesday.

The clash in Belgium, where the Congolese have been preparing for the World Cup, could ‌be their only preparatory match after a planned friendly against Chile ‌in Spain on Monday was ‌cancelled ⁠by local authorities.

The mayor of La ⁠Linea de la Concepcion took the decision even though the Congolese team have been preparing ​for the tournament in ‌Belgium and almost all of their players and staff are based in Europe.

Denmark, which narrowly missed out on ‌World Cup qualification after a penalty ​shootout loss to the Czech Republic in the European playoffs in ⁠March, twice hit the woodwork with Joakim Maehle striking the post with a ‌curling shot in the 33rd minute and captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg catching the corner of the crossbar with a long-range effort early in the second half.

Congolese striker Cedric Bakambu had a chance ‌on the break in the 24th minute but ​he hit his effort straight at Denmark goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, who ⁠made another sharp save to deny Joris ⁠Kayembe with the last shot of the match.

At the World Cup, ‌DR Congo opens its Group K campaign against Portugal on June 17.

DR Congo vs Denmark player ratings:

DR Congo: Dimitry Bertaud (7.5/10), Gédéon Kalulu (6.9/10), Chancel Mbemba (7.4/10), Henoc Inonga (7.1/10), Arthur Masuaku (7.0/10), Charles Pickel (6.7/10), Samuel Moutoussamy (6.8/10), Théo Bongonda (6.5/10), Gaël Kakuta (6.6/10), Yoane Wissa (6.9/10), Cédric Bakambu (6.3/10)

Subs: Joris Kayembe (6.4/10), Meschak Elia (6.1/10), Fiston Mayele (5.9/10), Noah Sadiki (6.0/10)

Denmark: Filip Jörgensen (7.4/10), Alexander Bah (7.1/10), Joachim Andersen (7.3/10), Jannik Vestergaard (7.2/10), Joakim Mæhle (7.6/10), Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (7.8/10), Morten Hjulmand (6.9/10), Christian Eriksen (7.0/10), Adam Daghim (6.5/10), Rasmus Højlund (6.2/10), Jonas Wind (6.6/10)

Subs: Gustav Isaksen (6.2/10), Morten Frendrup (6.0/10), Victor Kristiansen (6.1/10), Yussuf Poulsen (5.9/10)

(With inputs from Agencies)

Published on Jun 04, 2026