DR Congo at the World Cup 2026
DR Congo arrive at the 2026 World Cup ending the longest World Cup absence of any qualifier — 52 years. Their previous (and only) appearance was West Germany 1974, when they competed as Zaire and lost all three group games (most-famously 9-0 to Yugoslavia). Sébastien Desabre, the French head coach appointed in October 2023, has overseen the historic qualification.
Captain Chancel Mbemba (Marseille) anchors the centre-back pairing. The squad's defining individual is Aaron Wan-Bissaka — the former Manchester United right-back who switched international allegiance to DR Congo in 2024. Cédric Bakambu (Real Betis) leads the line; Yoane Wissa (Brentford) provides the wide attacking threat.
Group K contains Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan. DR Congo are competing with Uzbekistan for third place behind Portugal and Colombia. Outright tournament price 501.0.
Outright odds — DR Congo to win World Cup 2026
Group K fixtures
All three group-stage matches for DR Congo at World Cup 2026 with current odds from our partner books.
Squad & predicted XI
Mpasi · Mbemba (c), Masuaku, Wan-Bissaka, Mukoko · Bakambu, Pickel, Moutoussamy · Wissa, Bakayoko, Elia
Formation: 4-3-3 · Coach: Sébastien Desabre
| Player | Position | Club | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lionel Mpasi | GK | Rodez | 18 | 0 |
| Chancel Mbemba (c) | DF | Lille | 80 | 4 |
| Aaron Wan-Bissaka | DF | West Ham | 10 | 0 |
| Arthur Masuaku | DF | Sunderland | 28 | 1 |
| Joris Kayembe | DF | Stade Rennais | 30 | 0 |
| Samuel Moutoussamy | MF | Nantes | 22 | 1 |
| Charles Pickel | MF | Cremonese | 28 | 2 |
| Yoane Wissa | FW | Newcastle | 26 | 8 |
| Cédric Bakambu | FW | Real Betis | 80 | 27 |
| Théo Bongonda | FW | Lyon | 40 | 8 |
How DR Congo qualified for World Cup 2026
DR Congo qualified from CAF Group B with 22 points from 10 matches. Six wins, four draws, no defeats — one of only three unbeaten CAF qualifiers. Topped the group ahead of Senegal-rivals Sudan, Togo, Mauritania and South Sudan.
Bakambu finished as the squad's leading qualifying scorer with 6 goals. Wissa added 4. The Desabre 4-3-3 system delivered the defensive structure that conceded only 5 goals across the campaign.
World Cup history
DR Congo have appeared at one previous World Cup — West Germany 1974, competing as Zaire (the country's former name under Mobutu Sese Seko). They became the first sub-Saharan African nation to qualify for a World Cup. The tournament went badly: 2-0 loss to Scotland, 9-0 loss to Yugoslavia (still the second-largest defeat in World Cup history), 3-0 loss to Brazil. The 1974 squad also produced the famous 'Mwepu Ilunga' incident — a defender kicking a Brazil free kick away before it could be taken.
| Year | Host | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1974 | West Germany | Group stage (as Zaire) |
| Player | Position | Club | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dieumerci Mbokani | FW | retired | 50 | 24 |
| Cédric Bakambu | FW | Real Betis | 80 | 27 |
| Pierre Ndaye Mulamba | FW | deceased | 36 | 18 |
| Chancel Mbemba | DF | Lille | 80 | 4 |
| Christopher Oualembo | DF | retired | 60 | 1 |
| Robert Kidiaba | GK | retired | 70 | 0 |
FAQ
Who is DR Congo's coach at World Cup 2026?
Sébastien Desabre, the French head coach appointed in October 2023. He previously managed Uganda and led DR Congo to the AFCON 2024 semi-finals plus the historic 2026 World Cup qualification.
When did DR Congo last appear at the World Cup?
West Germany 1974, when the country competed as Zaire — a 52-year absence, the longest of any qualifier at the 2026 World Cup. They became the first sub-Saharan African nation to qualify for a World Cup but lost all three group games.
Has Aaron Wan-Bissaka switched to play for DR Congo?
Yes. The former Manchester United right-back (born in London to Congolese parents) switched international allegiance to DR Congo in 2024. He had previously been capped at England Under-21 level. He is in Desabre's 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Who is DR Congo's all-time top scorer?
Cédric Bakambu with 27 goals from 80 caps. Bakambu plays his club football at Real Betis. Dieumerci Mbokani sits second on 24 goals.
What group is DR Congo in at World Cup 2026?
Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan. DR Congo are competing with Uzbekistan for third place. They open against Portugal on 13 June, then face Colombia in their second match (which is MD2 dr-congo-vs-colombia-2026-06-23 in our database) and Uzbekistan.