DR Congo return to the FIFA World Cup this summer, ending a 52-year absence since their 1974 appearance as Zaire.
Axel Tuanzebe’s 100th-minute winner against Jamaica sealed the dream on 31 March. The Burnley defender’s strike at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara sparked scenes of jubilation across Kinshasa. The Leopards reached the inter-confederation playoff after finishing second to Senegal in CAF Group B.
DR Congo: 2026 World Cup Squad, Fixtures and Schedule
Frenchman Sébastien Desabre, in the role since August 2022, oversees this historic return. He announced his 26-man squad on 18 May, drawing heavily on Congolese diaspora talent. Captain Chancel Mbemba marshals the defence as the country’s most-capped player on 107 appearances. The Lille centre-back has rebuilt his reputation since difficult days at Newcastle. Striker Cédric Bakambu, 35, sits one goal short of Dieumerci Mbokani’s national scoring record of 22.
🐆🇨🇩 Nos 26 Léopards prêts à écrire encore un peu plus l’histoire, 52 ans après ✨📸#AllezYLesLéopards #BendeleEkweyaTe #FIFAWC2026 pic.twitter.com/QGpsTjyi5T
— Fecofa RDC_Officiel (@FecofaRdc) May 19, 2026
Newcastle United’s Yoane Wissa leads the line as the squad’s most dangerous attacker. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, the former England-eligible defender, switched allegiance to the Leopards. The West Ham right-back gives Desabre Premier League quality at the back. Four squad members featured in the Premier League last season, with Sunderland’s Noah Sadiki adding further youthful energy.
Group K offers a fearsome welcome back to the world stage. DR Congo open against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in Houston on 17 June. Colombia await in Zapopan a week later. The Leopards close their group stage against tournament debutants Uzbekistan in Atlanta. Every player in Desabre’s 26 is a World Cup first-timer. Aaron Tshibola earned a late call-up after defender Rocky Bushiri suffered injury. Realistic expectations are modest, yet the romance of their presence remains undeniable.
DR Congo 2026 World Cup fixtures
- Wednesday, June 17th – Portugal vs DR Congo – Houston, USA
- Wednesday, June 24th – Colombia vs DR Congo – Zapopan, Mexico
- Sunday, June 28th – DR Congo vs Uzbekistan – Atlanta, USA
What time do DR Congo’s World Cup games kick off?
All kick-off times are BST.
- Portugal vs DR Congo, 6pm
- Colombia vs DR Congo, 3am
- DR Congo vs Uzbekistan, 12.30am
DR Congo 2026 FIFA World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers: Matthieu Epolo (Standard Liege), Timothy Fayulu (Noah), Lionel Mpasi (Le Havre).
Defenders: Dylan Batubinsika (Larisa), Gedoon Kalulu (Aris Limassol), Steve Kapuadi (Widzew Lodz), Joris Kayembe (Racing Genk), Arthur Masuaku (Racing Lens), Chancel Mbemba (Lille), Axel Tuanzebe (Burnley), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham United).
Midfielders: Theo Bongonda (Spartak Moscow), Brian Cipenga (Castellon), Meshack Elia (Alanyaspor), Gael Kakuta (Larisa), Edo Kayembe (Watford), Nathanael Mbuku (Montpellier), Samuel Moutoussamy (Atromitos), Ngal’ayel Mukau (Lille), Charles Pickel (Espanyol), Noah Sadiki (Sunderland), Aaron Tshibola (Kilmarnock).
Forwards: Cedric Bakambu (Real Betis), Simon Banza (Al Jazira), Fiston Mayele (Pyramids), Yoane Wissa (Newcastle United).
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