FIFA WC 2026: All to know about the DR Congo

Identity card
Nickname: Les Léopards
Federation: Congolese Football Association (FECOFA)
FIFA Ranking (May 2026): 38th in the world (4th African)
Coach: Sébastien Desabre (49 years old, France)
Iconic captain: Chancel Mbemba (Lille)
History in the World Cup: 2nd participation after 1974 and 2026
The qualifying course: at the end of the suspense

DR Congo’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup will remain as one of the most beautiful epics in its recent history. Placed in group B of the African qualifiers, the Leopards have long believed they could win a direct qualification. It all came down to a decisive match against Senegal in Kinshasa. While they were leading 2-0, the Congolese finally yielded to lose 3-2 and leave the first place to the Lions.

Among the best second in the CAF zone, Sébastien Desabre’s men then continued their route through the African dams. A victory snatched in the last moments against Cameroon (1-0) thanks to Chancel Mbemba, then a success at the end of the suspense against Nigeria during a penalty shootout (1-1, 4-3), allowed them to access the FIFA Play-off tournament. In Mexico, the Leopards have definitely validated their return to the world stage by dominating Jamaica (1-0) thanks to a goal from Axel Tuanzebe in overtime. A deliverance for a whole people who had been waiting for this moment for more than half a century.

A historical return after 52 years of absence
Congo will finally write the second chapter of its history in the World Cup. We have to go back to 1974 to find the track of the Leopards in the competition. At the time, the country was still called Zaire and became the third African nation in history to participate in a World Cup after Egypt and Morocco. The German adventure had turned into a nightmare with three defeats in as many games against Scotland (2-0), Yugoslavia (9-0) and Brazil (3-0).

Despite this difficult record, this participation remains a founding moment of Congolese football. Fifty-two years later, the Leopards have a unique opportunity to erase these painful memories and finally score their first goal in the World Cup. The current generation seems to have the weapons to succeed where its glorious elders could not compete.

Sébastien Desabre, the architect of renewal

Having arrived at the head of the national team in August 2022, Sébastien Desabre has gradually transformed the Leopards into a competitive and ambitious team. The former coach of ES Tunis, Wydad Casablanca and Chamois Niortais had a clear goal from the start: to qualify DR Congo for the 2026 World Cup.

The semi-final reached during the 2023 AFCON strengthened the credibility of his project. Under his leadership, the Leopards have regained a strong collective identity, defensive strength, and an ability to respond present at major events. Unlike most of the coaches at the World Cup, Desabre has never been a professional player. But his coaching background and knowledge of African football have earned him the respect of the continent. Four years after his arrival, he is about to experience the first World Cup of his career.

The 26 Leopards for the American adventure
Keepers

Lionel Mpasi (Le Havre)
Timothy Fayulu (FC Noah)
Matthieu Epolo (Standard de Liège)

Defenders

Chancel Mbemba (Lille)
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham)
Axel Tuanzebe (Burnley)
Arthur Masuaku (Lens)
Joris Kayembe (Genk)
Steve Kapuadi (Widzew Łódź)
Aaron Tshibola (Kilmarnock)
Dylan Batubinsika (Larissa)
Gedeon Kalulu (Aris Limassol)

Midfielders

Noah Sadiki (Sunderland)
Samuel Moutoussamy (Atromitos)
Edo Kayembe (Watford)
Ngal'ayel Mukau (Lille)
Charles Pickel (Espanyol)
Nathanael Mbuku (Augsburg)
Brian Sipanga (Castellón)
Gaël Kakuta (Larissa)
Meschack Elia (Alanyaspor)
Theo Bongonda (Spartak Moscow)

Attackers

Fiston Mayele (Pyramids FC)
Cédric Bakambu (Betis Seville)
Simon Banza (Al Jazira Club)
Yoane Wissa (Newcastle)

Three players to watch
1. Cédric Bakambu (Betis Sevilla)

The striker remains the main offensive reference of this Congolese selection. Often criticized for his irregularity but capable of decisive moves in major matches, Bakambu will carry a large part of the Leopards' offensive hopes. In a team that doesn’t create many chances, their efficiency before the goal could make all the difference.

2. Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham)

The right back is one of the main attractions of the Congolese squad. Renowned for his quality in duels and his tackle science, he brings a strong defensive guarantee on his corridor. Against the wingers of Portugal or Colombia, his impact will be decisive in the team’s balance.

3. Chancel Mbemba (Lille)

Iconic captain and true boss of the locker room, Mbemba represents the soul of this generation. His accumulated experience at the highest European level, his leadership and his defensive strength will be essential to supervise the Leopards during their return to the world stage. He is also the man of the big matches, as evidenced by his decisive goal against Cameroon during the play-offs.
The group and the opponents at the 2026 World Cup (Group K)
The draw was not particularly lenient with the Leopards. DR Congo will have to deal with the Portugal of its many stars, Colombia, always formidable in major competitions, and Uzbekistan, one of the surprise teams of this edition.

The first match against Portugal will be a huge entry test. The Congolese will then follow up against Colombia before concluding against Uzbekistan in a game that could be decisive for qualification.

On paper, Portugal appears as the favorite of the group. Behind, the fight is open between Colombia and DR Congo for the qualifying places. In a 48-team World Cup, the Leopards can legitimately believe in an exploit and aim for a first qualification for the elimination phase.

June 17, 2026
Portugal – DR Congo
Houston Stadium

June 23, 2026
Colombia – DR Congo
Guadalajara Stadium

June 27, 2026
DR Congo – Uzbekistan
Atlanta Stadium