Real Betis striker Cedric Bakambu targets World Cup 2026 spot for DR Congo

The Congolese are currently second in Group B of the CAF World Cup qualifiers, two points behind Senegal with two fixtures remaining for both sides.

"We're still on track even though we lost against Senegal," said Bakambu to FIFA.com

"Where there's life, there's hope. It makes no difference if we qualify for the World Cup directly or through the play-offs. The target is still the same. It won't be easy, but we'll do everything in our power."

Bakambu is the Leopards second all-time top goal scorer with 19 goals, three goals behind Diumerci Mbokani after scoring three goals and providing three assists during the previous international break in September.

The 34-year-old has mostly made cameo appearances for high-flying Real Betis this season, who currently lie in fourth position on the LaLiga table and are unbeaten in the Europa League, with Bakambu scoring twice.

DR Congo will face Togo at the Kegue Stadium on Friday before hosting bottom of the group South Sudan at Stade des Martyrs four days later.