World Cup 2026 · Central Africa
DR Congo
Les Léopards
Group K · Returning to the World Cup for the first time in 52 years
Tournament Stats
2
World Cup Appearances
-
Finals Reached
#62
Ranking
2
Participations
Team Overview
DR Congo make their first World Cup appearance since 1974 - a wait of 52 years. Their qualification is a historic moment for Central African football. In Group K they face some of the toughest opponents possible in Portugal and Colombia, but the occasion alone marks a watershed for Congolese football. The squad is built on a foundation of European-based players who have carried the nation's football to a new level, and they will be determined to show that DR Congo belong on the world stage.
Tournament Fixtures
| Date | Match | Venue | Kick-off (UK) | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 13 Jun | UzbekistanvsDR Congo | Estadio BBVA, Monterrey, Mexico | 20:00 | Find Screenings |
| Wed 17 Jun | PortugalvsDR Congo | NRG Stadium, Houston, USA | 18:00 | Find Screenings |
| Thu 25 Jun | Colombiavs |
Players to Watch
One to Watch
Arthur Masuaku
Defender
Besiktas
Versatile left-back who brings Premier League and European experience to DR Congo's defence.
One to Watch
Chancel Mbemba
Defender
Olympique de Marseille
Marseille's commanding centre-back and DR Congo captain - a commanding, physical presence at the back.
One to Watch
Cédric Bakambu
Forward
RC Lens
Experienced forward whose pace, power and goal threat have been the driving force of DR Congo's attack.
One to Watch
Théo Bongonda
Winger
Red Star Belgrade
Direct, pacy winger who carries the ball forward at pace and is always a threat in behind defences.
DR Congo Football Culture
Congolese Cuisine
Pondu, moambe chicken, fufu, and liboke de poisson. The flavours of Les Léopards' culture.
Rumba Congolaise
Congo rumba - UNESCO-listed, globally adored. The soundtrack of DR Congo's football journey.
Les Léopards Legacy
1974 World Cup participants returning after 52 years. A historic comeback to the world stage.
Congolese Communities
Join DR Congo fans across the UK for their historic return to the World Cup.
Watch DR Congo at World Cup 2026
Register free and we'll send you match-day alerts, venue details, and watch-party info for every Les Léopards fixture.
Find Screenings Near Me