DR Congo 2026 FIFA World Cup Fixtures, match schedule, Date, Kick-off Time, Venues, Key Players, History

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), known as the Leopards, have made a triumphant return to the FIFA World Cup after a 52-year absence, qualifying for the 2026 edition in North America. As Zaire, they were the first Sub-Saharan African team to reach the tournament in 1974. Under French coach Sébastien Desabre, they finished second in a tough CAF Group B behind Senegal and then navigated the intercontinental playoff path, defeating in a dramatic 1-0 extra-time win over Jamaica in the final. Placed in a challenging Group K with Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan..

DR Congo World Cup 2026 Overview

DR Congo are in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan. They qualified via a solid campaign in CAF qualifiers and decisive playoff victories.

Key facts:

FIFA Ranking (approx.): Around 46th.
Coach: Sébastien Desabre.
Captain: Chancel Mbemba.
World Cup appearances: 2 (1974 as Zaire, 2026).
Best result: Group stage (1974).

DR Congo Key Players to Watch at World Cup

Yoane Wissa (FW, Newcastle United): The star attacker and main creative threat. Pace, movement, and finishing make him the Leopards’ most dangerous player; he carries huge expectations.

Chancel Mbemba (DF, Lille, captain): Rock-solid leader at the back with vast experience; the most-capped player anchors the defense.

Cédric Bakambu (FW): Veteran striker providing experience, hold-up play, and goal threat; close to the all-time scoring record.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (DF, West Ham): Premier League quality at right-back, adding defensive reliability and attacking width.

Others: Axel Tuanzebe (DF, hero of the playoff final), Noah Sadiki (MF), Samuel Moutoussamy (MF), Fiston Mayele, and Meschack Elia.

The mix of Premier League/Ligue 1 talents and team spirit is their greatest asset.

DR Congo World Cup History

As Zaire in 1974, DR Congo became the first Sub-Saharan African nation to qualify for the World Cup. They exited at the group stage with three defeats (0-2 vs Scotland, 0-3 vs Brazil, and a notorious 0-9 vs Yugoslavia), failing to score but showing moments of competitiveness. They have not appeared since until 2026. The long wait ended with qualification under Desabre, marking a historic moment for Congolese football and national unity.

DR Congo 2026 World Cup Opponents (Group K)

Portugal: Star-studded European favorites.

Colombia: Strong South American side.

Uzbekistan: Competitive Asian representatives.

DR Congo opens against Portugal.

DR Congo 2026 FIFA World Cup Schedule, Kick-off Times, Full Match Fixtures, Venue.

June 17, 2026: Portugal vs DR Congo, 1:00 PM ET, NRG Stadium (Houston Stadium), Houston, USA.

June 23, 2026: Colombia vs DR Congo, 10:00 PM ET, Estadio Akron (Guadalajara/Zapopan), Mexico.

June 27, 2026: DR Congo vs Uzbekistan, 7:30 PM ET, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, USA.

Knockout stage progression depends on group results.

How to Watch World Cup 2026 in DR Congo, TV Channel, Live Streaming

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, matches are available on New World TV (sub-Saharan rights) in partnership with local broadcasters, alongside SuperSport via Canal+ and DStv. Streaming options include DStv Stream and Canal+ apps. Internationally, check FOX/FS1/Fubo in the US or local listings.

DR Congo World Cup 2026 Squad (Full 26-Players List)

26-man squad announced by coach Desabre (as of mid-2026; subject to final adjustments):

Goalkeepers: Lionel Mpasi (Le Havre), Timothy Fayulu (FC Noah), Matthieu Epolo (Standard Liège).

Defenders: Chancel Mbemba (Lille, captain), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham), Axel Tuanzebe (Burnley), Arthur Masuaku (Lens), Joris Kayembe (Genk), Steve Kapuadi (Widzew Łódź), Dylan Batubinsika (Larissa), others (e.g., Gédéon Kalulu, Rocky Bushiri).

Midfielders: Noah Sadiki (Sunderland), Samuel Moutoussamy (Atromitos), Edo Kayembe (Watford), Ngal’ayel Mukau (Lille), Charles Pickel (Espanyol), Théo Bongonda (Spartak Moscow), Gaël Kakuta, others.

Forwards: Yoane Wissa (Newcastle), Cédric Bakambu, Fiston Mayele, Meschack Elia (Alanyaspor), others (e.g., Nathan Mbuku).

DR Congo Predicted Lineups / World Cup 2026 Playing XI

Common predicted XI (often 4-2-3-1 or similar, focusing on defensive organization and counter-attacks):

Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka – Mbemba – Tuanzebe – Masuaku; Moutoussamy – Sadiki; Bongonda/Wissa – Bakambu – Wissa/Elia (with tactical flexibility).

Coach and Tactics: Sébastien Desabre, nicknamed “Tatu Seba,” emphasizes discipline, organization, and collective strength. He has transformed the team since 2022, incorporating diaspora talent effectively.

Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths include defensive resilience, set-pieces, and pace on the counter. Weaknesses: Tough group opponents and limited depth compared to European powerhouses.

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