World Cup Fashion: Best Dressed National Teams and Congo’s Belgian Connection

The Democratic Republic of Congo national team’s 2026 World Cup squad features a high concentration of players with Belgian ties, according to a June 14, 2026, report by Nieuwsblad. The selection emphasizes the ongoing reliance on the Belgian football ecosystem to bolster the Congolese roster for the tournament.

Nieuwsblad identified several players in the Congo selection as “old acquaintances” with links to Belgium. These connections typically include players born in Belgium or those who developed their professional careers within the Belgian Pro League.

Why does the Congo squad have strong Belgian links?

The prevalence of Belgian-linked players in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) squad stems from the significant Congolese diaspora residing in Belgium. Under FIFA eligibility rules, players with Congolese parentage or grandparentage can choose to represent the DRC regardless of their birth country.

Belgium’s youth academies and professional clubs serve as a primary pipeline for the DRC national team. This trend allows the Congolese federation to integrate players trained in European tactical systems into their World Cup campaign.

This recruitment strategy follows a established precedent. The DRC has historically utilized dual-national players to increase the technical quality of the squad, often drawing from the Belgian league’s talent pool to compete in major international tournaments.

How are national team fashion choices being evaluated?

Beyond squad selections, Nieuwsblad reported on the aesthetic choices of national teams during the 2026 World Cup. The outlet is tracking which teams “score” highest with their fashion selections through a designated “style prize.”

The report focuses on the attire and style choices made by teams as they represent their nations on the global stage, treating the tournament as both a sporting and a fashion event.

What is the impact of dual-nationality selections?

The integration of Belgian-trained players creates a contrast in squad composition. While some national teams rely primarily on domestic league talent, the DRC utilizes a hybrid model that blends local players with those from the European diaspora.

This approach often leads to a more versatile squad but can create internal competition for starting positions between domestic-based players and those playing in Europe.