FIFA Ranking #69 · 2 World Cups · Best: Group Stage
The Leopards of DR Congo arrive with a squad that is technically capable of competing in Group K. Mbemba's leadership at Marseille, Bakambu's experience, and a generation of players from across European leagues give them the tools to create upsets in what is one of the more open groups.
Group K opponents
Chancel Mbemba
⭐ Star PlayerOlympique de Marseille
Centre-Back / Captain
65
Caps
8
Goals
30
Age
Marseille's dominant centre-back and the Leopards' inspirational captain — commanding in the air and the unquestioned leader.
Cédric Bakambu
Olympique de Marseille
Forward / Striker
62
Caps
22
Goals
34
Age
Marseille's experienced striker who has performed across La Liga and Ligue 1 — the experienced goal-scorer the team relies upon.
Jonathan Bolingi
Mamelodi Sundowns
Forward
42
Caps
16
Goals
31
Age
Powerful, physical forward who gives DR Congo a different dimension in attack with his directness and aerial ability.
Arthur Masuaku
Besiktas
Left Back
45
Caps
4
Goals
30
Age
Attack-minded left-back with Premier League experience at West Ham — one of the most experienced players in the squad.
All times local to venue. Group stage results determine knockout seedings.
Portugal
FIFA #7
NRG Stadium
Houston, TX
Colombia
FIFA #22
Estadio AKRON
Guadalajara, Mexico
Uzbekistan
FIFA #71
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Atlanta, GA
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2
Appearances
0
Titles
#69
FIFA Rank
Group Stage
Best Result
DR Congo previously appeared at the World Cup as Zaire in 1974 — beaten 9–0 by Yugoslavia, 3–0 by Brazil, and 2–0 by Scotland. The Brazil game gave rise to the infamous incident where Mwepu Ilunga kicked a free kick from the wall away prematurely. The decades since saw civil war devastate the country's football infrastructure. The 2026 qualification, as DR Congo, represents a new chapter in one of Africa's most passionate football nations.
Formation
Wide attacking triangle, pressing high up the pitch
Head Coach
Sébastien Desabre
French · 4-3-3
Sébastien Desabre leads DR Congo into the 2026 World Cup with a 4-3-3 system built around the squad's strengths.
The three teams DR Congo must face in the group stage.
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