The only previous meetings between these two nations came during 2022 World Cup qualification, drawing 1-1 in Cotonou before DR Congo prevailed 2-0 in Kinshasa.
DR Congo vs Benin preview
DR Congo are a team on the up, so just how far will they go at this Africa Cup of Nations? Last month, the Leopards beat both Cameroon and then Nigeria on penalties to keep alive their hopes of a first World Cup appearance since 1974. Thus, they will now face either New Caledonia or Jamaica in Guadalajara in March's inter-confederation play-offs, with the reward a spot in Group K, alongside Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan next summer.
Before then, are Sébastien Desabre's side serious candidates to win AFCON? Well, while it is over five decades since the most-recent of their two AFCON triumphs, DR Congo did reach the semi-finals last time round, dumping out Egypt in a shootout and then Guinea, before a 1-0 defeat to hosts Côte d'Ivoire in Abidjan. So, most expect the Leopards to make a winning start in Rabāṭ.
As for Benin, this is just their fifth Africa Cup of Nations appearance since debuting in 2004. The Cheetahs, formerly the Squirrels, have actually never won an AFCON match, but still managed to reach the quarter-finals in 2019, the most-recent edition at which they featured. Back then, after drawing all three group games, they caused a massive shock by knocking out Morocco on penalties, before Senegal ended their fairytale run in the last eight in Cairo.
After missing out on the last two Cup of Nations, Gernot Rohr's side only just qualified for this tournament, finishing above Rwanda by virtue of head-to-head goal difference alone. In total, Benin have won only eight of their last 23 competitive fixtures, so their wait for an illusive first victory in the competition may go on, with DR Congo firm favourites to prevail at Al Medina Stadium.
DR Congo vs Benin head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 2.
- DR Congo Wins: 1. Draws: 1. Benin Wins: Zero.
DR Congo team news
After suffering a knee injury during a World Cup qualifier in September, Yoane Wissa has been left out of the squad, despite having now belatedly made his Newcastle debut.
In terms of who will feature, Premier League trio Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe and Arthur Masuaku will join Chancel Mbemba, who has over 100 caps to his name, in defence.
Another Sunderland player Noah Sadiki will be key in midfield, while Michel-Ange Balikwisha, who has barely featured since joining Celtic in August, switched his allegiance from Belgium just last month.
DR Congo predicted lineup vs Benin: (4-3-3): Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Masuaku; Sadiki, Kayembe, Kakuta; Elia, Balikwisha, Bakambu.
DR Congo player to watch vs Benin
Veteran striker Cédric Bakambu, now of Real Betis, is DR Congo's primary goal threat, looking to add to his 20 international goals.
Benin team news
Not quite as many familiar faces in Gernot Rohr's squad, with his 26 players plying their trade in 19 different countries, including Azerbaijan, Finland, Romania, Russia, Tunisia and many, many more.
Midfielder Jodel Dossou, who plays in Luxembourg, will add to his 71 caps, chasing down Stéphane Sessègnon's all-time record of 89.
Benin predicted lineup vs DR Congo: (4-2-3-1): Allagbé; Kiki, Verdon, Tijani, Roche; Dossou, D'Almeida, Olaitan, Ahlinvi, Tessilimi; Mounié.
Benin player to watch vs DR Congo
Steve Mounié, formerly of Huddersfield, has scored 22 goals in 66 caps for Benin, five of which came during the most-recent World Cup qualifying cycle, so can he fire them to a first AFCON victory?
DR Congo vs Benin prediction
We fully expect DR Congo to win this Group D opener at Al Medina Stadium on Tuesday afternoon, likely to prove simply too strong for Benin in Rabāṭ: DR Congo 2-0 Benin.
DR Congo vs Benin FAQs - Africa Cup of Nations
How to watch DR Congo vs Benin in the Africa Cup of Nations on TV channel?
DR Congo vs Benin in the Africa Cup of Nations will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: 4seven
- USA: beIN SPORTS, fuboTV & Fanatiz USA
- Canada: beIN Sports Canada, fuboTV Canada & Fanatiz Canada
How to watch DR Congo vs Benin in the Africa Cup of Nations on live streaming?
DR Congo vs Benin in the Africa Cup of Nations will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Channel4.com & Channel 4 Sport YouTube
- USA: beIN SPORTS CONNECT & fuboTV
- Canada: beIN SPORTS CONNECT Canada & fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for DR Congo vs Benin in the Africa Cup of Nations?
DR Congo vs Benin takes place on Tuesday 23 December 2025, with kick off at 12:30 (GMT), 7:30 (ET) & 4:30 (PT).