FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers: Côte d'Ivoire Dominates DR Congo in One-Sided Affair

The FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers continued on July 4, 2026, with a lopsided contest as Côte d'Ivoire dismantled the Democratic Republic of Congo 94-51. The match, played at a neutral venue, saw the Ivorians impose their will from the opening tip, leaving little doubt about the final outcome.

Match Overview

Côte d'Ivoire entered the game as one of the favorites in the African qualifiers, and they lived up to that billing with a comprehensive performance. The DR Congo side struggled to contain the Ivorian offense, which scored at will both inside the paint and from beyond the arc. By halftime, the lead had already stretched beyond 20 points, and the second half was essentially a formality.

Key Performances

• Côte d'Ivoire's balanced attack: Multiple players reached double figures, with the backcourt orchestrating the offense efficiently.
• Defensive intensity: The Elephants forced numerous turnovers and turned them into transition points, holding DR Congo to just 51 points.
• Rebounding dominance: Côte d'Ivoire controlled the glass at both ends, limiting second-chance opportunities for their opponents.

Implications for the Qualifiers

This victory solidifies Côte d'Ivoire's position in the standings as they push for a spot in the FIBA Basketball World Cup. For DR Congo, the result is a setback, but with more games to come, they will look to regroup and find solutions to their offensive struggles.

The 94-51 scoreline reflects a team that is clicking at the right time, while the losing side must address its defensive breakdowns if it hopes to remain competitive in the qualifiers.