FIFA World Cup 2026 Preview: DR Congo

(image via Getty Images)

As the world now turns its attention to the biggest tournament in football, we’ll begin previewing all the teams that will be in Houston this summer. Next up is DR Congo. Here’s a closer look at the roster, key storylines, and what to expect from the Leopards heading into the competition.

Team Information
- FIFA Ranking: 45
- Confederation: CAF
- Manager: Sébastien Desabre
- Captain: Chancel Mbemba
- Nickname: The Leopards
- World Cup Appearance: 1st as DR Congo (appeared once as Zaire)
- Best World Cup Finish: Group Stage in 1974 (as Zaire)
- World Cup Group: K

How They Qualified

DR Congo took the long, difficult road to qualify for the World Cup. They finished second to Senegal in Group B in the first round. This moved them on to the second round where only one team would advance to the inter-confederation playoffs. DR Congo beat Cameroon and then Nigeria on penalties to advance from Africa. Their final hurdle was a match up against Jamaica for a spot in the World Cup, where they scored in extra time to come away 1-0 winners and punch their ticket.

Qualification Record
- Wins: 10
- Draws: 1
- Losses: 2
- Goals Scored: 18
- Goals Conceded: 7

Notable Qualifying Result

As the highest-ranked team in the FIFA World Rankings, DR Congo needed to win just one match in the inter-confederation playoffs to advance to the World Cup, Axel Tuanzebe scored in the 100th minute, in the first half of extra time to give the DR Congo the win they needed over Jamaica, in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Last Five Matches
- Botswana 0-3 DR Congo (Africa Cup of Nations)
- Algeria 1-0 DR Congo (Africa Cup of Nations)
- DR Congo 2-0 Bermuda (Friendly)
- DR Congo 1-0 Jamaica (World Cup Qualifiers)
- DR Congo 0-0 Denmark (Friendly)

World Cup Roster

Goalkeepers: Lionel Mpasi-Nzau (Le Havre), Timothy Fayulu (Noah), Matthieu Epolo (Standard Liege)

Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham United), Steve Kapuadi (Widzew Łódź), Axel Tuanzebe (Burnley), Dylan Batubinsika (AEL), Joris Kayembe (Genk), Chancel Mbemba (Lille), Gédéon Kalulu (Aris Limassol), Arthur Masuaku (Lens)

Midfielders: Ngal’ayel Mukau (Lille), Nathanaël Mbuku (Montpellier), Samuel Moutoussamy (Atromitos), Théo Bongonda (Spartak Moscow), Noah Sadiki (Sunderland), Aaron Tshibola (Kilmarnock), Charles Pickel (Espanyol), Edo Kayembe (Watford)

Forwards: Brian Cipenga (CD Castellón), Gaël Kakuta (AEL), Meschak Elia (Alanyaspor), Cédric Bakambu (Real Betis), Fiston Mayele (Pyramids), Yoane Wissa (Newcastle United), Simon Banza (Al Jazira)

Key Players

Yoane Wissa — Forward, Newcastle United

Wissa became the first player from DR Congo to score 10 goals in a Premier League seaon while at Brentford. Injuries derailed his first season at Newcastle but he is fit and ready to lead the line for his country at this tournament.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka — Defender, West Ham United

Born in England, Wan-Bissaka repeatedly turned down call-ups from DR Congo earlier in his career. He eventually decided to represent the Leopards and earned his first cap in 2025. He’s been a key piece defensively and put to rest any concerns about his commitment to DR Congo.

Chancel Mbemba — Defender, Lille

The captain of this side, Mbemba has put together a solid career in Europe’s biggest leagues. He’s got over 100 caps and is both a solid defender and a threat offensively in the opposition’s box.

Young Player to Watch

Noah Sadiki — Midfielder, Sunderland

The 21-year-old Belgian born midfielder was a big part of Sunderland’s surprising Premier League season. Sadiki can do it all in midfield, operating box-to-box at a high level.

Predicted Starting XI

Biggest Storyline

The Leopards last made a World Cup in 1974 when they were the country of Zaire. For a country that has dealt with a recent Ebola outbreak and years of conflicts between government and rebels, this tournament could serve as a uniting force for the country. With a load of talented players playing at big Euorpean clubs, they have the make up to surprise people at this World Cup.

One Reason They Can Make a Deep Run

With Wissa, Bakambu, Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, and others, this DR Congo lineup has talent. If some of the other players, and youngsters like Sadiki step up, they could make a run to the knockout rounds. After a 52-year absence, the DR Congo is back on the big stage and have a lot to play for. That is always a recipe for a team to play inspired and to do well.

One Reason They Could Struggle

With Portugal and Colombia in their group, two losses in those matches could spell the end for DR Congo. If they can’t beat Uzbekistan they’ll be going home early. They should be sound defensively but goalkeeper is a question mark and if Wissa and Bakambu aren’t scoring goals, the offense will struggle.

Best-Case Scenario
Round of 32

Likely Finish
Third Place in Group, Possible Advancement

Floor
Group Stage

Quick Facts

• Most Caps in Squad: Chancel Mbemba - 108

• Top Scorer in Squad: Cédric Bakambu - 21

• Average Squad Age: 28.3 years old

• Previous World Cup Finish: Group Stage in 1974 (as Zaire)

Final Thoughts

DR Congo enters this World Cup carrying both history and opportunity. More than five decades after their only previous appearance on football’s biggest stage, the Leopards return with a squad filled with experience, European-based talent, and a belief that they belong among the world’s best. While a difficult group means nothing will come easy, DR Congo has already shown throughout qualifying that it can rise to the occasion when the stakes are highest. If players like Yoane Wissa, Cédric Bakambu, and Chancel Mbemba can lead the way, the Leopards have the potential to be one of the tournament’s most dangerous underdogs and give their supporters a World Cup run to remember.