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 match in Belgium, where the Congolese are preparing for the World Cup, could be their only preparatory match after a planned friendly against Chile in Spain was canceled by local authorities on Monday.
The mayor of La Linea de la Concepcion made the decision even though the Congolese team has been preparing for the tournament in Belgium and almost all their players and staff are based in Europe.
Denmark, who narrowly missed out on World Cup qualification after a penalty shootout defeat to the Czech Republic in the European play-offs in March, hit the woodwork twice with Joakim Maehle hitting 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 forward Cedric Bakambu had a chance on the break in the 24th minute, but he shot straight at Danish goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, who made another sharp save to deny Joris Kayembe with the final 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), Gedeon Kalulu (6.9/10), Chancel Mbemba (7.4/10), Henoch Inonga (7.1/10), Arthur Masuaku (7.0/10), Charles Pickel (6.7/10), Samuel Moutoussamy (6.8/10), Theo Bongonda (6.8/10) and Gael Kakuta (6.5/10). (6.6/10), John Wissa (6.9/10), Carlo Bakambu (6.3/10)
subtitles: Joris Kayembe (6.4/10), Meschak Elia (6.1/10), Fiston Wisdom (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)
subtitles: Gustav Isaksen (6.2/10), Morten Frendrup (6.0/10), Victor Kristiansen (6.1/10), Yussuf Poulsen (5.9/10)
(With input from agencies)
Published on June 4, 2026
