2
WC Appearances
including 2026
Group Stage
Best Result
all-time
None
Titles
yet to win
#50
FIFA Ranking
April 2026 (approx.)
About DR Congo
DR Congo make a momentous return to the World Cup stage in 2026, ending a 52-year absence since appearing as Zaire at West Germany 1974 - one of the longest gaps in World Cup history for any nation. The Leopards, African Cup of Nations runners-up in 2024, are a physically imposing, technically gifted side coached by French tactician Sébastien Desabre. Porto's Chancel Mbemba provides leadership at the back while the attacking threats of Cédric Bakambu and Brentford's Yoane Wissa add dangerous edge. Group K against Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan is tough, but DR Congo's return after 52 years is one of the great narrative stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Team Base Camp
🇺🇸 USA
Base camp
Houston, Texas
Léopards base at a Houston training complex. NRG Stadium is 15 miles south, meaning no travel for at least one of their Group K matches.
Per FIFA regulations (§18.3), DR Congo stays at this base camp for the entire group stage and travels to each match venue one day before kickoff (and returns the same night or the next day).
Distance to each group-stage match
Straight-line distance from Houston to each match stadium. Actual travel adds airport time on flights.
Key Players
Lionel Mpasi
Arthur Masuaku
Ngal'ayel Mukau
Noah Sadiki
Simon Banza
Head Coach
Sébastien Desabre
2026 Group
Group K
DR Congo at the 2026 World Cup
All times shown are local to the stadium
World Cup History
| Year | Stage Reached | |
|---|---|---|
| 1974 | Group Stage |
2 appearances total · Includes all World Cups as Zaire and DR Congo
DR Congo World Cup 2026 FAQ
What group is DR Congo in for the 2026 World Cup?+
DR Congo is in Group K of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan.
Who is the manager of DR Congo at the 2026 World Cup?+
Sébastien Desabre manages DR Congo at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
What is DR Congo's FIFA ranking?+
DR Congo is ranked #50 in the FIFA World Rankings heading into the 2026 World Cup.
How many World Cups has DR Congo played in?+
DR Congo has appeared in 2 FIFA World Cups including 2026. Their best result is Group Stage.
When does DR Congo play in the 2026 World Cup?+
DR Congo's 2026 World Cup group stage matches: June 17 vs Portugal; June 23 vs Colombia; June 27 vs Uzbekistan. Knockout matches are determined by group stage results.
Who are DR Congo's key players for the 2026 World Cup?+
Key players to watch for DR Congo include Lionel Mpasi, Arthur Masuaku, Ngal'ayel Mukau, Noah Sadiki, Simon Banza.
Where is DR Congo's base camp for the 2026 World Cup?+
DR Congo will be based in Houston, Texas (USA), training at Houston Sports Park. Per FIFA regulations, the team stays at this base camp throughout the group stage and travels to match venues one day before each game.