DR Congo
Manager: Sébastien Desabre
Overview
DR Congo are one of Africa's most passionate footballing nations, with a fervent fanbase and a squad brimming with athletic, technically gifted players. Les Leopards have experienced a resurgence in recent years, reaching the AFCON semifinals in 2024 for the first time in decades. Their squad features players from top European leagues, particularly Ligue 1 and the Belgian Pro League, reflecting the country's linguistic and cultural ties. DR Congo's style is dynamic and physical, with pace on the wings and power through the middle. Their World Cup appearance would galvanize a nation that views football as a source of unity and pride.
Squad
26 playersGoalkeepers3
Lionel Mpasi
Le Havre
Timothy Fayulu
FC Noah
Matthieu Epolo
Standard Liège
Defenders9
Gédéon Kalulu
Aris Limassol
Arthur Masuaku
RC Lens
Chancel Mbemba
LOSC Lille
Axel Tuanzebe
Burnley
Aaron Tshibola
Kilmarnock
Joris Kayembe
KRC Genk
Steve Kapuadi
Widzew Łódź
Dylan Batubinsika
AEL Larissa
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
West Ham United
Midfielders10
Edo Kayembe
Watford
Meschack Elia
Alanyaspor
Samuel Moutoussamy
Atromitos
Gaël Kakuta
AEL Larissa
Théo Bongonda
Spartak Moscow
Charles Pickel
RCD Espanyol
Brian Cipenga
CD Castellón
Ngal'ayel Mukau
LOSC Lille
Nathanaël Mbuku
Montpellier
Noah Sadiki
Sunderland
Forwards4
Cédric Bakambu
Real Betis
Fiston Mayele
Pyramids FC
Simon Banza
Al Jazira
Yoane Wissa
Newcastle United
World Cup History
DR Congo, then known as Zaire, appeared at their only World Cup in 1974 in West Germany, where they lost all three group matches. That tournament is most remembered for the infamous free-kick incident against Brazil. The 2026 World Cup would be DR Congo's first appearance in over 50 years and a chance to rewrite their World Cup narrative entirely.
Group K Opponents
Fun Fact
In the 1974 World Cup, Zaire defender Mwepu Ilunga famously ran out of the wall and kicked a free kick before Brazil could take it, a moment long misunderstood as naivety but later revealed to be a deliberate protest against unpaid bonuses.
Predict DR Congo's Path to the Final
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