DR Congo World Cup 2026

DR Congo's return to the World Cup after more than half a century is among the great redemption stories of 2026. Les Léopards boast one of Africa's most passionate fanbases and a squad bursting with athletic, technically gifted players, many thriving in Ligue 1 and the Belgian Pro League. They reached the 2024 AFCON semi-finals, signalling a genuine resurgence, and play a dynamic, physical style with pace on the wings and power through the middle. A first World Cup appearance since 1974 — when they competed as Zaire — is a chance to completely rewrite their tournament narrative and galvanise a nation that sees football as a source of unity and pride.

DR Congo ended a 52-year wait by winning the inter-confederation Pathway 1 play-off in March 2026 to seal their place — only their second World Cup, and first since 1974 as Zaire. Drawn into Group K with Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan, they arrive as underdogs but with the firepower and momentum of their AFCON resurgence.

Sébastien Desabre sets up a dynamic, physical 4-3-3 built on pace and power. Yoane Wissa supplies a sharp attacking threat, Aaron Wan-Bissaka adds defensive quality, and the midfield blends athleticism with creativity. Direct, athletic and dangerous in transition, Les Léopards look to overwhelm opponents physically.

DR Congo, then competing as Zaire, appeared at their only previous World Cup in 1974 in West Germany, where they lost all three group matches — a campaign most remembered for a infamous free-kick incident against Brazil. A return to the World Cup after more than 50 years is a chance to entirely rewrite that painful chapter and show how far Congolese football has come.

DR Congo's previous World Cup appearance was in 1974 as Zaire — the first sub-Saharan African nation to reach the tournament — making their 2026 return, after more than half a century, one of the longest waits between appearances in World Cup history.