Democratic Republic of Congo sets World Cup base camp in Houston

The Democratic Republic of Congo's national soccer team will set up its World Cup base camp in Houston, the city's host committee announced Wednesday.

DR Congo's team, also called Les Léopards, will train at a facility that will be designated as the "Houston Training Centre" during the World Cup, according to the host committee. Throughout the tournament, the center will serve as the team's primary training and operations hub.

"Welcoming the Democratic Republic of Congo to Houston for their FIFA World Cup 2026 journey is something we celebrate alongside their players, staff, and supporters around the globe," said Chris Canetti, president of the Houston host committee. "We're honored to provide a home base where they can focus, prepare, and build momentum as they chase success in this historic tournament."

At least nine teams will compete in Houston from mid-June through early July. No other World Cup teams have selected Houston for their base camp.

DR Congo’s base camp will be south of the city at the Houston Sports Park. The team will practice at the stadium previously used by the Houston SaberCats, a professional rugby team that disbanded in fall 2025.

"We already had the plans in place," John Coppins, vice president of operations for the Houston host committee, said in an interview with Houston Public Media. “It's more just dialing those plans in based on input and feedback from FIFA and the country. ... We were confident, at least over the last month or so, that we would have a base camp team."

DR Congo does not yet have a set date to move into the Houston Training Centre, but Coppins said the host committee was planning for an early June arrival.

The announcement caps months of anticipation for World Cup preparations. Base camps serve as something of a home away from home for international teams throughout the World Cup.

DR Congo will play a a match against Portugal on June 17 in Houston. Saudi Arabia, which will play a match in Houston on June 26, will have its home base in Austin.

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In preparation for hosting Les Léopards, the Houston host committee will replace the pitch at the Houston Training Centre to meet international FIFA standards, among other renovations, "ensuring that Houston will benefit from enhanced facilities long after the FIFA World Cup 2026 concludes."

The World Cup host committee is also preparing to host each of the seven matches in Houston. Taking place at NRG Stadium, which will be temporarily renamed "Houston Stadium" for the tournament, the host committee will take control of the stadium on May 1. Once that happens, they will install a grass pitch to meet FIFA's standards for hosting.

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The committee is also investing in a "Green Corridor," a loop of METRO rail lines and hike-and-bike trails connecting East Downtown — where the committee will host a fan festival — to NRG Stadium.

The 2026 World Cup begins June 11 in Mexico City. Houston will host its first match on June 14, between Germany and Curacao.