Overview:
With a team comprised of international stars like Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, Cedric Bakambu, Arthur Masuaku and Axel Tuanzebe among others managed by one of the most respected coach on the continent at the moment in Sebastian Desabre, there is reason to believe.
For the first time since 1974, DR Congo will be present at the World Cup after earning qualification to the 2026 showpiece.
The Leopards used a longer route but worth it and the reward is a spot in a tricky Group K that has Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan.
With a team comprised of international stars like Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, Cedric Bakambu, Arthur Masuaku and Axel Tuanzebe among others managed by one of the most respected coach on the continent at the moment in Sebastian Desabre, there is reason to believe.
Head coach – Sebastien Desabre
When he was appointed coach of Congo DR in August 2022, the Valence-born tactician set some ambitious objectives: “Our goals are to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 and to take part in the World Cup 2026.”
And here we are, the former Uganda Cranes head coach has led the Leopards to the heights where many failed.
Regarded as one of the best tacticians on the continent at the moment, Desabre has convinced many players with Congolese attachment in the diaspora to believe they can achieve with the Leopards.
Players like Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe were attracted and the rewards are visible.
Desabre who honed his style of play during spells in charge of club sides ES Cannet Rocheville, Dubai CSC, ES Tunis and Wydad AC, unlike the majority of his counterparts at the World Cup, he never played the game professionally, but that hasn’t stopped him from becoming one of Africa’s most respected coaches.
How they qualified
DR Congo used the longest route of all African nations qualifying via an intercontinental play off in Mexico.
First, they finished second in the CAF qualifying group just behind Senegal although they led the group for longer periods.
Finishing as one of the four best second ranked teams, the Leopards play the African play offs – In the semi-final, Chancel Mbemba scored the winning goal in the dying moments against Cameroon (1-0). Then, in the final against Nigeria, Congo DR maintained their composure in a tense penalty shootout to claim victory (1-1 a.e.t., 4-3 on penalties).
In the final of the FIFA Play-Off Tournament, they overcame Jamaica (1-0 a.e.t.) thanks to an opportunistic strike from ex-Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe who beat the Caribbean defence during a corner kick.
History at World Cup
- Best World Cup: 1974 (Group stage)
- Last World Cup: 1974 (Group stage)
- First World Cup: 1974 (Group stage)
- World Cup appearances: 1 (1974)
- Overall World Cup record: P3 W0 D0 L3 F0 A14
Group H fixtures, stadiums and kick off times [EAT]
- June 17: vs Portugal – Houston stadium 8pm
- June 24: vs Colombia – Guadalajara 5am
- June 28: vs Uzbekistan – Atlanta stadium 2.30am
The DR Congo Squad for the 2026 World Cup
Goalkeepers
Lionel Mpasi, Thimothy Fayulu, Matthieu Epolo
Defenders
Chancel Mbemba, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Alex Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Joris Kayembe, Steve Kapuadi, Aaron Tshibola, Dylan Batubinsika, Gédéon Kalulu
Midfielders
Noah Sadiki, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Charles Pickel, Nathanael Mbuku, Brian Cipenga, Meschack Elia, Gael Kakuta
Forwards
Theo Bongonda, Fiston Mayele, Cedric Bakambu, Simon Banza, Yoane Wissa
