The Stade Maurice Dufrasne in Liege, Belgium, played host to an intriguing international friendly on June 3, 2026, as Denmark and DR Congo faced off for the very first time. With kick-off set for 8:00 PM local time, anticipation was high—not just because of the unfamiliar pairing, but also due to the unique circumstances surrounding both squads. For Denmark, this was a chance to regroup and rebuild after a disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign. For DR Congo, it was a vital tune-up ahead of their long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup stage.
Denmark, led by coach Brian Riemer, entered the contest with the sting of a failed World Cup qualification still fresh. The Danes had come agonizingly close, only to be knocked out by Czechia in a penalty shootout during the European play-offs. This friendly, then, was more than just a routine fixture—it was an opportunity for Riemer to begin reshaping the squad and instilling new ideas. Veteran defender Andreas Christensen was back in the fold, bringing leadership and experience to a team in transition. Emerging talent Albert Grønbæk was also expected to play a key role as Denmark sought to strike a balance between established names and promising newcomers.
On the other side of the pitch, DR Congo arrived with momentum and optimism. Under coach Sébastien Desabre, the Leopards had secured their World Cup ticket in dramatic fashion, prevailing over Nigeria in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout during the play-offs. That victory not only boosted morale, it also set the stage for their first World Cup appearance in over half a century. DR Congo’s preparations, however, were not without complications. Their scheduled June 9 friendly against Chile was canceled by Spanish authorities due to health concerns linked to an Ebola outbreak in Central Africa. As a result, the team opted to remain in Belgium, scrapping plans for a farewell camp in Kinshasa and instead focusing on complying with U.S. entry requirements before their June 11 departure for the United States. Their World Cup campaign was set to begin against Portugal on June 17, with Colombia and Uzbekistan also awaiting in Group K.
Fans around the world tuned in via a variety of platforms: TV2 and DR TV in Denmark, RTNC in DR Congo, Amazon Prime Video in the UK, DAZN Canada, beIN SPORTS and TOD in the Middle East and North Africa, and international streaming on L'Équipe Live Foot. In the United States, Fubo and ViX provided coverage, while viewers globally could follow the action through live score services like Flashscore, Sofascore, and FotMob. For those attending in person, tickets were available at the stadium and through trusted online marketplaces, with e-tickets and mobile access streamlining entry procedures.
As the teams lined up, the managers revealed their tactical intentions: Denmark set out in a 4-3-3 formation under Riemer, while Desabre’s DR Congo opted for a 5-3-2 setup, emphasizing defensive solidity. The starting lineups featured Jorgensen in goal for Denmark and Mpasi for DR Congo. The match officials, led by referee Lothar D'Hondt, ensured a fair contest, with Romain Devillers and Nico Claes as assistants and Erik Lambrechts as fourth official.
From the opening whistle, Denmark sought to impose their possession-based style, controlling 57.2% of the ball compared to DR Congo’s 42.8%. The Danes created more opportunities, registering 12 shots (three on target) to DR Congo’s eight (four on target). Despite Denmark’s attacking intent—highlighted by 22 touches inside the opposition box and three shots that rattled the woodwork—the Congolese defense held firm. Goalkeeper Mpasi made three important saves, while Denmark’s Jorgensen was called upon to deny four Congolese efforts.
The match statistics painted a picture of a tightly contested affair. Both teams were evenly matched in set pieces, with four corners apiece. Denmark’s passing was crisp and accurate, completing 601 passes at an 89.4% success rate, while DR Congo connected on 444 passes with 83.8% accuracy. In the defensive phase, Denmark won 76.9% of their tackles, compared to DR Congo’s 62.5%. The physicality of the encounter was evident, with nine fouls committed by DR Congo and seven by Denmark. Only one yellow card was shown, to a Danish player, as both sides maintained discipline throughout the 90 minutes.
Neither side could find the breakthrough. Denmark’s best chances came through their dynamic midfield, with Christian Eriksen orchestrating play and Rasmus Højlund probing the Congolese backline. For DR Congo, Cedric Bakambu and Arthur Masuaku threatened on the counter, but Denmark’s defense, marshaled by Christensen, remained resolute. “It was a good test for us,” said Riemer after the match, reflecting on his team’s performance and the opportunities to build chemistry ahead of future competitions. Desabre, meanwhile, praised his side’s discipline: “We showed we can match strong European teams. This is the mentality we need heading into the World Cup.”
The 0-0 draw, while lacking in goals, provided both managers with valuable insights. For Denmark, the match highlighted areas for improvement—particularly in finishing and defensive organization. For DR Congo, it was further evidence of their defensive discipline, a hallmark under Desabre, with fewer than three goals conceded in 10 of their last 11 matches. The result also maintained DR Congo’s positive momentum from recent victories over Jamaica, Bermuda, and Botswana, as well as a hard-fought draw with Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Looking ahead, DR Congo’s focus now shifts to their World Cup opener against Portugal—a daunting task, but one for which this disciplined performance will serve as a confidence boost. Denmark, meanwhile, continues its period of transition, using friendlies like this to integrate new players and refine tactics for the next cycle of international competitions.
For supporters, the match offered a glimpse into the evolving identities of both teams. Denmark, ranked 20th in the FIFA rankings, showed flashes of the attacking quality that brought them past North Macedonia with a 4-0 win earlier in the year, but also the defensive lapses that cost them against Scotland and Czechia. DR Congo, ranked 46th, demonstrated the resilience that earned them a place at the World Cup and left fans optimistic about their chances on football’s biggest stage.
As the final whistle blew in Liege, both sets of players and coaches could take satisfaction from a hard-fought contest. The 0-0 scoreline may not have thrilled the neutrals, but for Denmark and DR Congo, it was a productive step on the road to future challenges—be it the World Cup for the Leopards or a new era for the Danes.