Congo DR
About Congo DR
Congo DR, formerly Zaire, were the first sub-Saharan African nation to reach the FIFA World Cup, appearing at the 1974 tournament in West Germany. That campaign is remembered painfully — a 9-0 defeat to Yugoslavia remains one of the heaviest losses in World Cup history. Domestically, the Léopards are two-time Africa Cup of Nations winners, claiming titles in 1968 and 1974. Legendary figures include Shabani Nonda and Dieumerci Mbokani. Qualifying for 2026 marks a long-awaited return to the global stage.
Congo DR's road to the final
Players to watch
Yoane Wissa
Cédric BakambuDesabre typically deploys a 4-3-3, with Masuaku pushing high from left-back to create overloads. Ngal'ayel Mukau and Charles Pickel provide energy and ball-winning in central midfield, while Gaël Kakuta or Nathanaël Mbuku operate as the more creative link. The team presses aggressively in the middle third and looks to transition rapidly, feeding Wissa and Bakambu on the counter.
Watch Yoane Wissa first — the Newcastle United forward has become one of the Premier League's most explosive wide attackers, combining relentless pressing with a sharp eye for goal. Cédric Bakambu brings veteran craft and aerial presence from Real Betis, a striker who has scored at the highest levels in Spain and China. Arthur Masuaku offers creative thrust from left-back at Lens, capable of changing the game with a delivery or a driving run.
Wissa's Premier League pace and pressing make Congo DR genuinely dangerous on the counter. The squad's European-based core — with players at Lille, Lens, Genk and Sunderland — brings tactical discipline. Masuaku's delivery from wide areas provides a consistent set-piece and crossing threat.
Defensive cohesion is a concern — Axel Tuanzebe and Chancel Mbemba are experienced but both have had injury-disrupted club seasons. The squad lacks a truly elite central midfielder who can control tempo against top opposition. Goalkeeping depth is thin, with first-choice Lionel Mpasi playing in Ligue 2 at Le Havre.
The lines
Wissa leads the line with pace and pressing intensity, while Bakambu offers experience and a physical focal point. Simon Banza and Fiston Mayele provide depth, with Banza having been prolific in the Middle East. The forward line is dynamic but relies heavily on Wissa's form.
Ngal'ayel Mukau at Lille brings youth and energy as a ball-carrier, while Charles Pickel at Espanyol provides defensive cover. Gaël Kakuta is the creative outlet, capable of unlocking defences with his dribbling. Edo Kayembe and Samuel Moutoussamy offer additional physicality and pressing off the bench.
Chancel Mbemba at Lille anchors the back line with Ligue 1 experience. Aaron Wan-Bissaka at West Ham brings Premier League quality at right-back. Masuaku is the most attack-minded of the four. The unit has quality but lacks consistent game time together as a settled four.
Lionel Mpasi of Le Havre is the likely starter, a Ligue 2-level keeper who has yet to be truly tested at international tournament level. Matthieu Epolo at Standard Liège provides younger competition, but the position remains one of the squad's most uncertain areas heading into the group stage.
Squad
Manager: Sebastien DesabreView profile →Fixtures & results
Frequently asked questions
What are Congo DR's chances of winning the 2026 World Cup?
Congo DR have a 0% chance to win the World Cup and 0% to reach the final, per our simulation.
What group is Congo DR in at the 2026 World Cup?
Congo DR are in Group K at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Who is Congo DR's manager?
Congo DR are managed by Sebastien Desabre.
Who are Congo DR's players to watch?
Key players to watch for Congo DR include Yoane Wissa, Cédric Bakambu, Arthur Masuaku.
See the full World Cup 2026 title odds and predicted bracket.