Fifa World Cup 2026: What you need to know about DR Congo

Get the lowdown on every team at the 2026 World Cup. Here we take a closer look at African side DR Congo.

What can I expect from DR Congo?

Fifty-two years after a chastening World Cup debut, these Leopards are eager to show they've changed their spots.

DR Congo have changed their name too; as Zaire, in 1974, their three group defeats included a 9-0 hammering by Yugoslavia. They've not qualified since, until now, but head coach Sebastian Desabre has transformed a team that was in crisis when he took over nearly four years ago.

He led them to fourth place at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and has instilled tactical discipline within a 4-3-3 formation or variants of it – although a back five was trialled in a 0-0 draw with Denmark in June.

The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo had no material effect on the team's preparations until their warm-up game against Chile in a Spanish town was cancelled by the local major.

What are DR Congo's strengths?

Defensive solidity has underpinned their improvement, as shown by eight clean sheets in 13 World Cup qualifiers.

Swift counter-attacks utilise the prowess of star striker Cedric Bakambu at running in behind defences.

Mental resilience, often lacking in the past, was forged during a protracted qualifying campaign.

And what about their weaknesses?

DR Congo have seldom faced top-20 ranked sides in recent years, bar Senegal and Morocco – and they have a poor record against both.

With seven of the national team's regular starters struggling for playing time at their clubs this season, a lack of conditioning – and quality – is a concern.

How might DR Congo line up?

Which players should I look out for?

Central defender Chancel Mbemba, 31, is the team's captain and most-capped player. He remains integral to his country despite two seasons as a peripheral figure with clubs in France. The former Newcastle player is out of contract this summer.

Belgium-born Noah Sadiki has added dynamism to DR Congo's midfield since earning his first cap in September 2024. The 21-year-old has also been a £15m revelation for Sunderland this season with his energy, athleticism and ball-carrying ability.

Cedric Bakambu, 35, is the oldest member of the squad but still one of the most effective. The striker scored four times in the qualifiers and is on the cusp of becoming the country's record goalscorer.

Who is DR Congo's head coach?

This is Frenchman Sebastien Desabre's 11th coaching role in Africa. The 49-year-old has qualified DR Congo for successive Africa Cup of Nations, reaching the semi-finals in 2023, as well as the World Cup. He had previous success with Uganda.

How did DR Congo qualify?

A home defeat by eventual group winners Senegal, after leading 2-0, ultimately cost them direct qualification but they then came through three play-off games.

Where can I watch DR Congo?

All of DR Congo's matches will also be covered live on the BBC Sport website and app with updates, analysis, and fan reaction. Come and be part of it!

Give me a fact to impress my friends

Superfan Michel Kuka Mboladinga, who went viral at the Africa Cup of Nations for his eye-catching patriotism during games, has been included in DR Congo's official World Cup delegation at the request of the players.

Since 2013, Mboladinga has worn colourful suits and silently imitated a statue of revered revolutionary leader Patrice Lumumba, with one arm raised, for entire matches.

Now give me some proper detail

The Congolese proverb little by little, grow the bananas emphasises the virtues of patience and steady progress. But during the national football team's 52-year gap between World Cups – the fourth longest of any nation – patience has been exhausted and progress stalled. Until now.

There's a determination to change the country's World Cup narrative after a 1974 debut that left them ripe for ridicule. Zaire, as DR Congo was then known, lost all three games - including 9-0 against Yugoslavia.

Then came the infamous moment when right-back Mwepu Ilunga charged out of a defensive wall to boot the ball away as Brazil lined up a free-kick.

Bemused onlookers were unaware it was an act of political protest. The players had learned their expected wages and bonuses wouldn't be paid – and Zaire President Mobutu then threatened them with exile if they lost by more than three goals against Brazil.

By kicking the ball away, Ilunga had hoped to waste time and get sent off. He was only booked and Zaire lost 3-0; they were allowed home but President Mobutu cut their funding.

Ever since, the 1968 and 1974 African champions have been kept on the game's periphery by a combination of conflict, corruption, poor football governance and a lack of facilities.

Current head coach Sebastien Desabre has brought in fresh talent from the vast Congolese diaspora and the vast nation is now seeing the fruits of his endlessly patient nurturing.

How have DR Congo done at previous World Cups?

The central African nation has only played in the World Cup once before – in 1974, when the country was named Zaire. They lost all three group games without scoring, including 9-0 against Yugoslavia.