After a plucky, never-say-die attitude characterised their long qualification journey, Congolese fans expect more joy after 52 years away from the big time.
Democratic Republic of the Congo’s FIFA World Cup qualification was sealed with an Axel Tuanzebe header in the 100th minute of the very last qualifying game, against Jamaica, in Guadalajara — and when it went in, thousands poured into the rain-soaked streets of Kinshasa.
The first sub-Saharan African team to qualify to the World Cup in 1974, the Leopards ironically became the very last side to complete 2026’s 48-team roster.
Now back at the showpiece since their first appearance, when they were called Zaire, they are drawn in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan.
Quick facts
- Captain: Chancel Mbemba
- Manager: Sébastien Desabre
- World Cup appearances (including 2026): 2
- Best World Cup result: Group stage (1974)
FIFA World Cup 2026 – DR Congo’s full squad
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)