The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has officially chosen Houston, Texas, as the base camp for its national team, the Leopards.
The Leopards will train at SaberCats Stadium (formerly Houston Sports Park), home of the Houston SaberCats rugby team. The DRC’s historic qualification guarantees it $10.5 million from FIFA ($9 million for participation and $1.5 million for preparation costs). The team will begin the competition in Houston on June 17, 2026, against Portugal at NRG Stadium.
A Strategic Choice
This training camp, temporarily designated as the “Houston Training Centre,” will serve as the nerve center for logistical and sporting operations. By establishing itself in Texas, the DRC joins other nations like Saudi Arabia (Austin) and Sweden (Frisco), making Houston a major hub for the tournament.
The Congolese government’s massive investment in the Leopards marks a turning point in the management of national sport under the presidency of Félix Tshisekedi. Kinshasa is using this historic qualification as a tool of soft power to improve the country’s international image. Public opinion and some observers criticize what they call “checkbook diplomacy,” pointing to the urgent needs in the health, education, and security sectors in the eastern part of the country.
This extreme financial support places the players under immense pressure to deliver results in the final phase in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Aimé Binda
