D.R Congo at the World Cup 2026: Squad, fixtures, group and history

The Democratic Republic of Congo return to the FIFA World Cup in 2026 after ending a 52-year absence from football’s biggest tournament.

The Leopards arrive in North America determined to write a new chapter in their football history after becoming one of Africa’s most exciting teams during the qualification campaign.

Group K Overview

DR Congo have been drawn into Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan.

It is a challenging group featuring two experienced football nations in Portugal and Colombia, but the Leopards will believe they have enough quality to compete for qualification to the knockout rounds.

Group K Teams

Portugal
Colombia
DR Congo
Uzbekistan

DR Congo Fixtures at World Cup 2026

The Leopards begin their campaign against Portugal before facing Colombia and Uzbekistan in their remaining group-stage matches.

Fixtures

Portugal vs DR Congo – Wednesday, 17 June 2026 – Houston Stadium
Colombia vs DR Congo – Tuesday, 23 June 2026 – Estadio Guadalajara
DR Congo vs Uzbekistan – Saturday, 27 June 2026 – Atlanta Stadium

DR Congo World Cup History

The Democratic Republic of Congo have qualified for the FIFA World Cup twice in their history.

Their first appearance came in 1974 under the name Zaire, before securing a long-awaited return for the 2026 tournament.

The 1974 World Cup: History as Zaire

DR Congo, then known as Zaire, became the first Sub-Saharan African nation to qualify for a FIFA World Cup.

Placed in a difficult group alongside Scotland, Yugoslavia and reigning champions Brazil, the team lost all three matches during the tournament.

Their campaign is most remembered for the heavy 9-0 defeat to Yugoslavia, although they also produced a spirited performance in a 3-0 defeat against Brazil.

The Famous Free Kick Incident

One of the most iconic moments in World Cup history came during the match against Brazil when defender Mwepu Ilunga suddenly sprinted out of the defensive wall and kicked the ball away before a Brazilian free kick was taken.

The incident was initially mocked globally, but it was later understood to be an act of political protest connected to unpaid bonuses and tensions with the country’s leadership at the time.

The Long Wait for a Return

Following the 1974 tournament, DR Congo endured decades of heartbreak in World Cup qualifying campaigns.

The nation came close to qualification several times, particularly in 1998, 2006, 2018 and 2022, but repeatedly fell short.

North America 2026: The Leopards Return

Under head coach Sebastien Desabre, DR Congo finally secured qualification for the expanded 48-team tournament.

The Leopards successfully navigated the African qualifiers before defeating Jamaica in the intercontinental play-offs to seal their place at the World Cup.

The 2026 tournament represents a historic opportunity for a new generation of Congolese players to establish themselves on the global stage.

DR Congo Final Squad for World Cup 2026

Goalkeepers

Timothy Fayulu (FC Noah)
Lionel Mpasi (Le Havre)
Mike Epolo (Standard Liege)

Defenders

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham United)
Gédéon Kalulu (AEL Limassol)
Joris Kayembe (Genk)
Arthur Masuaku (Lens)
Steve Kapuadi (Widzew Łódź)
Rocky Bushiri (Hibernian)
Axel Tuanzebe (Burnley)
Chancel Mbemba (Lille)
Dylan Batubinsika (Larissa)

Midfielders

Noah Sadiki (Sunderland)
Samuel Moutoussamy (Atromitos)
Edo Kayembe (Watford)
Nathan Mukau (Lille)
Charles Pickel (Espanyol)
Ngal’ayel Mukau Mbuku (Montpellier)
Brian Cipenga (Castellón)
Théo Bongonda (Spartak Moscow)
Gaël Kakuta (Larissa)

Forwards

Meschack Elia (Alanyaspor)
Fiston Mayele (Pyramids)
Cédric Bakambu (Real Betis)
Simon Banza (Al Jazira)
Yoane Wissa (Newcastle United)