The Congolese national football team, known as the Les Leopards, head to the WC 2026 as returning to the tournament after 52 years, having qualified through a dramatic inter-confederation play-off. Drawn in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, DR Congo will look to make their mark on the tournament. With the expanded 48-team format offering more opportunities than ever before, DR Congo will be looking to take full advantage. The competition kicks off on 11 June and runs through 19 July across 16 stadiums in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
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How DR Congo Qualified for WC 2026
DR Congo qualified through the CAF Group B;CAF Second Round;CAF Continental Play-off;Inter-confederation Play-off, finishing in Qualified via Inter-confederation Play-off through a gruelling multi-round qualification process. Axel Tuanzebe's opportunistic strike in extra-time against Jamaica secured their spot in the WC 2026.
The qualifying campaign demonstrated the squad's resilience and competitive spirit. Under coach Sébastien Desabre, DR Congo showed they have the quality to compete on the world stage. The FECOFA has invested in developing talent at all levels, and this the tournament represents the culmination of that work.
"Qualifying for the tournament was our primary objective. Now we want to show the world what Congolese football is all about."
- Sébastien Desabre
DR Congo's journey to the tournament reflects the growing competitiveness of international football. With the expanded 48-team format providing more places than ever, the tournament in North America represents an opportunity for DR Congo to showcase their talent against the very best in the world. The team's supporters will be hoping for memorable performances across the group stage.
Bet on DR Congo at the WC 2026
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Beyond the outright winner market, several betting options stand out for DR Congo. The to qualify from group market offers the most accessible entry point. Individual match results, correct score and anytime goalscorer bets provide more targeted opportunities for each group match. Consider total goals over/under markets and both teams to score for added variety.
How Far Can DR Congo Go? Realistic Expectations
DR Congo's qualification for the WC 2026 is a significant achievement after 52 years, showcasing their development and fighting spirit. While they possess a mix of experienced players and young talents, they will aim to progress from the group.
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DR Congo's Squad for WC 2026
DR Congo's final 26-man squad was announced by coach Sebastien Desabre ahead of the tournament. Below is the full squad plus selected profiles on key players.
Goalkeepers
Defenders
Midfielders
Forwards
Goalkeepers
Mpasi
31 - Le Havre AC
Vastly experienced shot-stopper, the senior figure between the sticks. Currently at Le Havre AC, age 31.
Fayulu
26 - FC Noah
Reliable goalkeeper in his prime, expected to start every WC 2026 match. Currently at FC Noah, age 26.
Epolo
21 - Standard Liège
Young keeper earning a chance on the biggest stage, future of the position. Currently at Standard Liège, age 21.
Defenders
Masuaku
32 - RC Lens
Defensive leader who has seen it all at international level, expected to organise the back line. Currently at RC Lens, age 32.
Wan-bissaka
28 - West Ham United FC
Solid defender in his peak years, a regular starter for club and country. Currently at West Ham United FC, age 28.
Kalulu
28 - Aris Limassol FC
Solid defender in his peak years, a regular starter for club and country. Currently at Aris Limassol FC, age 28.
Midfielders
Tshibola
31 - Kilmarnock FC
Senior midfielder bringing tempo and game-management to the squad. Currently at Kilmarnock FC, age 31.
Kayembe
28 - Watford FC
Box-to-box player in prime years, key to linking defence and attack. Currently at Watford FC, age 28.
Sadiki
21 - Sunderland AFC
Talented midfielder still rising, with the technical quality to influence games. Currently at Sunderland AFC, age 21.
Forwards
Bakambu
35 - Real Betis
Experienced forward whose finishing instinct remains the squad's main goal threat. Currently at Real Betis, age 35.
Wissa
29 - Newcastle United FC
Sharp forward in his best years, with the pace and movement to trouble any defence. Currently at Newcastle United FC, age 29.
Elia
28 - Alanyaspor
Sharp forward in his best years, with the pace and movement to trouble any defence. Currently at Alanyaspor, age 28.
Last 5 Matches: DR Congo's Recent Form
| Date | Match | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 31 | DR Congo vs. Jamaica | 1-0 W | European Qualifiers Inter-confederation |
| Jan 6 | DR Congo vs. Algeria | 1-0 W | Africa Cup of Nations Final Stage |
| Dec 30, 2025 | DR Congo vs. Botswana | 0-3 L | Africa Cup of Nations Grp. D |
| Dec 27, 2025 | DR Congo vs. Senegal | 1-1 D | Africa Cup of Nations Grp. D |
| Dec 23, 2025 | DR Congo vs. Benin | 1-0 W | Africa Cup of Nations Grp. D |
DR Congo in Group K: Schedule and Stadiums
DR Congo have been drawn in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan.
| Match | Date | Stadium | CEST | EEST | BRT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal vs. DR Congo | Tue 17 Jun | NRG Stadium, Houston | 19:00 | 20:00 | 14:00 |
| DR Congo vs. Colombia | Mon 23 Jun | Estadio Akron, Guadalajara | 04:00 | 05:00 | 23:00 |
| Uzbekistan vs. DR Congo | Fri 27 Jun | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta | 01:30 | 02:30 | 20:30 |
In the expanded WC 2026 format, the top two teams from each group advance to the Round of 32, with the eight best third-placed teams also qualifying. This means DR Congo have multiple pathways to reach the knockout rounds, making every point in the group stage valuable.
Head-to-Head: DR Congo vs. Group K Opponents
DR Congo vs. Portugal: Limited competitive history between these teams. Both will be looking to pick up points.
DR Congo vs. Colombia: Limited competitive history between these teams. Both will be looking to pick up points.
DR Congo vs. Uzbekistan: Limited competitive history between these teams. Both will be looking to pick up points.
DR Congo's Head Coach for WC 2026
Sébastien Desabre (French, born 1976) has been in charge since Aug 2022. Clinched multiple domestic titles with ASEC Mimosas. guided Coton Sport to league championship and CAF Champions League semi-final. secured Moroccan league title with Wydad Athletic Club. led Uganda to 2 His tactical approach: Desabre emphasizes tactical discipline and collective organization, blending solid defensive structures with swift counterattacking play, maximizing team cohesion and utilizing a dynamic midfield. His record with DR Congo stands at 27-9-10.
The Greatest DR Congo Coaches in History
Sebastien Desabre (2022-present): The French coach who transformed DR Congo into the tournament qualifiers, guiding them through a gruelling qualification process that included the inter-confederation play-off victory over Jamaica.
Blagoje Vidonic (1974): Led Zaire (as DR Congo was then known) to become the first sub-Saharan African team to play at the tournament in 1974 in West Germany, a pioneering achievement for African football.
For more information about DR Congo's football history, visit CAF.
DR Congo's Official Kits for WC 2026
DR Congo's WC History and Records
DR Congo have appeared at 2 the tournament(s) in the history of the tournament. Their best finish was GS.
2
WC appearances
GS
Best finish
0
Titles
DR Congo at the 2022 World Cup
DR Congo failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.
Memorable WC Moments
Memorable WC Moments
As Zaire in 1974, they became the first Sub-Saharan African team to participate in a the tournament.
The "free kick incident" in 1974, where Mwepu Ilunga kicked the ball away before a Brazil free-kick, is an iconic and bizarre moment.
Key Statistics
DR Congo's all-time top scorer is Dieumerci Mbokani with 22 goals.. The most capped player is Chancel Mbemba with 107 caps.. DR Congo has made two WC appearances (1974 as Zaire, and 2026).
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