DR Congo World Cup 2026 Squad, Roster, Standings, Fixtures, and Kits – FWC Times
DR Congo are heading to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1974, ending a 52-year absence. The Leopards sealed qualification on March 31, 2026, with a 1-0 extra-time victory over Jamaica in the intercontinental play-off final in Guadalajara — one of the most emotional results in African football this cycle.
Under coach Sebastien Desabre, DR Congo have built a squad drawn from clubs across Europe, combining Premier League pace, Ligue 1 solidity, and a new generation of talent. Their Group K assignment pits them against Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan in a genuinely competitive section where every point will matter.
DR Congo — FIFA World Cup 2026
Group K · Manager: Sebastien Desabre · The Leopards Return
Contents
DR Congo World Cup 2026 Squad
Sebastien Desabre named his final 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The group blends Premier League and Ligue 1 experience with hungry young talent, representing one of the most exciting collections of Congolese players in a generation.
Goalkeepers
Defenders
Midfielders
Forwards
Key Players to Watch
DR Congo carry match-winning quality in every area of the pitch. These six players are central to how Desabre wants the Leopards to play — and how far they can go in Group K.
DR Congo’s most dangerous forward. Wissa brings explosive pace, direct running, and a clinical finish. His ability to beat defenders one-on-one makes him the Leopards’ biggest attacking weapon in 2026.
The experienced striker and captain figure up front. Bakambu brings 50+ international goals, leadership, and the composure to decide tight matches at the highest level.
DR Congo’s defensive anchor. The commanding Lille centre-back brings a dominant aerial presence and years of Ligue 1 experience to the backline.
The Premier League right-back is one of the best one-on-one defenders at the tournament. His pace and recovery ability give DR Congo exceptional defensive cover down the flank.
A creative midfield presence with the ability to carry the ball and create chances from nothing. Bongonda’s energy and directness are key to DR Congo’s transition game.
One of the most exciting young midfielders in the squad. Mukau combines pressing intensity with technical quality and is a symbol of DR Congo’s exciting new generation.
Tactics and Formation
Sebastien Desabre has shaped DR Congo around a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 framework that prioritizes defensive compactness and fast transitions. The backline — anchored by Mbemba and Tuanzebe — defends narrow and deep, while the wide forwards, led by Wissa and Bongonda, provide the explosive outlet on the break.
Ngal’ayel Mukau plays a key role in midfield, pressing high and winning the ball back quickly. When DR Congo have possession, the tempo is set through quick combinations in the middle third before releasing the forwards in behind. In deeper games, Desabre can shift to a 5-3-2 defensive block to absorb pressure and threaten on the counter.
| Formation | Style | Primary Threat | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-3-3 | Counter-attack + Press | Wide forwards | Pace in transition |
| 4-2-3-1 | Structured defense | Bakambu hold-up play | Compactness |
| 5-3-2 | Defensive block | Quick counters | Hard to break down |
Group K Fixtures — DR Congo at WC 2026
DR Congo open against Portugal in Houston, then face Colombia before a critical final group game against Uzbekistan. The fixture order is tough — but in an expanded 48-team format, even a third-place finish can be enough to advance.
| Date | Match | Venue | City |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 17, 2026 | Portugal vs DR Congo | NRG Stadium | Houston, TX |
| Jun 23, 2026 | Colombia vs DR Congo | Estadio Akron | Guadalajara, Mexico |
| Jun 27, 2026 | DR Congo vs Uzbekistan | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Atlanta, GA |
Group K — FIFA World Cup 2026
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 🇨🇴 Colombia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 🇨🇩 DR Congo | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Standings update once the tournament begins on June 11, 2026. Portugal are strong favorites to top Group K, but the battle for second place between Colombia and DR Congo could go deep into the final matchday.
DR Congo’s Qualification Route
DR Congo’s path to the 2026 World Cup was anything but straightforward. The Leopards came through the CAF qualifying campaign, then earned a place in the FIFA intercontinental play-off tournament. There, they beat Jamaica 1-0 after extra time on March 31, 2026, in Guadalajara — a result that sent the nation into celebration after more than five decades of World Cup absence.
Axel Tuanzebe scored the only goal of the match. That strike against Jamaica was not just a winning goal — it was the moment that ended a 52-year wait and gave DR Congo a new chapter in World Cup history.
| Stage | Result | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| CAF Qualifying | Group stage + Play-offs | Advanced to intercontinental play-off |
| Intercontinental Play-Off Semi | DR Congo advanced | Qualified for final |
| Intercontinental Play-Off Final | DR Congo 1-0 Jamaica (AET) | Qualified for World Cup 2026 |
DR Congo 2026 World Cup Kits
DR Congo’s 2026 kits are supplied by Umbro. The home shirt is sky blue with white pattern detailing and red trim — a bold visual identity that reflects the national colors. The away kit uses a clean white base with sky blue accents. Both kits are among the most visually distinct in the tournament.
DR Congo World Cup History
DR Congo’s only previous World Cup appearance came in 1974, when the country competed under the name Zaire. That remains one of the most storied — and bittersweet — debuts in tournament history. The 2026 appearance is not just a return. It is the start of an entirely new chapter.
| Year | Name | Stage | Notable Moment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1974 | Zaire | Group Stage | First African team to play in a World Cup group stage; lost 9-0 to Yugoslavia |
| 2026 | DR Congo | TBD | First World Cup in 52 years — qualified via play-off win vs Jamaica |
The gap of 52 years between World Cup appearances makes DR Congo’s return one of the most significant stories of the 2026 tournament. Any goal, point, or win in the USA, Canada, and Mexico will become instant national history for the Leopards and their supporters.
