Congo DR
Congo DR (COD) have been drawn in Group K for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Colombia, Portugal, Uzbekistan. Head coach Sébastien Desabre leads the squad. Ranked #52 by FIFA, the team have made 1 World Cup appearance(s). Their opening match is on July 1 against England at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA.
Sébastien Desabre
FRSébastien Serge Louis Desabre (born 2 August 1976) is a French professional football manager, currently with DR Congo national football team. Nicknamed The Florist he served as manager of the Uganda national team from 28 December 2017 until 7 July 2019.
- Led DR Congo to 2026 World Cup qualification
- 2023 AFCON Semi-finals
- Experience managing multiple African national teams
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GK Fayulu is a Congolese goalkeeper currently playing for FC Noah in the Armenian Premier League. Known for his reliable shot-stopping and sharp reflexes, he has established himself as a dependable option between the posts for the DR Congo national team. His experience in Armenian football has helped him develop composure under pressure and command of his penalty area. As DR Congo prepare for their second-ever FIFA World Cup appearance in 2026, Fayulu's steady presence in goal provides the team with valuable depth in the goalkeeping department.
GK Matthieu Epolo is a young and talented goalkeeper who plays for Standard Liège in the Belgian Pro League. Born in Belgium to Congolese parents, Epolo chose to represent DR Congo at international level, adding exciting young talent to the Leopards' squad. Despite his youth, he has already established himself as Standard Liège's first-choice keeper, impressing with his shot-stopping ability, composure on the ball, and commanding presence in the box. At just 20 years old, he represents the future of Congolese goalkeeping and brings fearlessness to the 2026 World Cup squad — DR Congo's historic second-ever appearance at the tournament.
GK DR Congo's rising goalkeeper. Currently plying his trade at VfB Stuttgart, a commanding presence between the posts, Lionel Mpasi is known for sharp reflexes and assured shot-stopping, serving as the last line of defense for Congo DR. Has earned 3 international caps, an emerging talent on the international stage. Will feature for Congo DR at the 2026 World Cup, the team's second-ever appearance on the world stage.
DF Aaron Wan-Bissaka is a right-back currently playing for West Ham United in the Premier League. Born and raised in London, England, to Congolese parents, he made the decision to represent DR Congo at international level, bringing invaluable Premier League experience to the Leopards. Wan-Bissaka rose to prominence at Crystal Palace, where his exceptional one-on-one defending and perfectly timed tackles made him one of the most feared full-backs in the league. A move to Manchester United followed in 2019 for a reported £50 million fee. After several seasons at Old Trafford, he joined West Ham United, where he continues to showcase his defensive prowess. His ability to shut down opposing wingers and his recovery pace make him a crucial asset for DR Congo's 2026 World Cup campaign — the nation's second-ever appearance at the tournament.
DF Axel Tuanzebe is a centre-back currently playing for Burnley in the English Championship. Born in Kinshasa, DR Congo, he moved to England as a young child and developed through Manchester United's renowned academy system. A physically imposing defender blessed with pace, strength, and excellent one-on-one defending ability, Tuanzebe was once tipped as a future star at Old Trafford. He captained Manchester United in the Champions League and gained experience through loan spells at Aston Villa, Napoli, and Stoke City before making a permanent move to Burnley. His decision to represent DR Congo at international level rather than England was a major coup for the Leopards, bringing Premier League pedigree and European experience to the squad. At the 2026 World Cup, Tuanzebe's composure and versatility will be vital for DR Congo's historic second appearance.
DF Dylan Batubinsika is a French-born Congolese centre-back who plays for Larissa in the Greek Super League. Having spent the early years of his career in France, including spells at Paris Saint-Germain's youth academy and Saint-Étienne, Batubinsika developed a strong tactical foundation before gaining experience in Turkish and Greek football. A composed defender who reads the game well, he excels in positional defending and is comfortable playing out from the back. His decision to represent DR Congo at international level brought valuable European experience to the Leopards' defensive unit. As part of the 2026 World Cup squad, Batubinsika's versatility and calm under pressure make him an important part of DR Congo's plans for their historic second World Cup appearance.
DF Gédéon Kalulu is a Congolese defender currently playing for Aris Thessaloniki in the Greek Super League. The older brother of Pierre Kalulu, who has starred at AC Milan and Juventus in Serie A, Gédéon has carved out his own career path in European football. A versatile defender capable of playing at centre-back or full-back, he brings composure on the ball and strong positional awareness to the DR Congo backline. Having gained experience across multiple European leagues, Kalulu offers tactical maturity and reliability to the Leopards' defensive setup. His inclusion in the 2026 World Cup squad marks a proud family moment, as he represents DR Congo on football's biggest stage for the nation's historic second appearance.
DF Rocky Bushiri is a Belgian-born Congolese centre-back who plays for Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership. Having come through the youth systems at Anderlecht and Norwich City, Bushiri developed his skills in two of Europe's well-respected development environments. A tall, athletic defender with good pace for his size, he excels in aerial duels and one-on-one defending. His decision to represent DR Congo at international level was a significant boost for the Leopards, bringing top-level European experience to their defensive ranks. At Hibernian, he has become a fan favourite for his commanding performances at the heart of the defence. As DR Congo embark on their second-ever World Cup campaign in 2026, Bushiri's blend of physical power and technical ability makes him a key figure in the squad.
DF Steve Nkanu Kapuadi (born 30 April 1998) is a French-born Congolese professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Widzew Łódź in the Polish Ekstraklasa and the DR Congo national team. Standing at 1.96m, Kapuadi is a commanding aerial presence and brings physicality and composure to the backline. He began his career in Belgium with Gent's reserve team before moving to Slovakia, where he played for Inter Bratislava and AS Trenčín. He then established himself in Polish football with Wisła Płock and Legia Warsaw, winning the Polish Cup and Polish Super Cup with Legia. After 69 appearances for Legia, he joined Widzew Łódź in February 2026. Having debuted for DR Congo in June 2025, Kapuadi is part of the Leopards' squad for their historic second World Cup appearance in 2026.
DF Former West Ham United left-back and a DR Congo international. Currently plying his trade at Beşiktaş, a dependable defender, Arthur Masuaku combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Congo DR's backline. Has earned 25 international caps. Will feature for Congo DR at the 2026 World Cup, the team's second-ever appearance on the world stage.
DF Marseille centre-back and the backbone of DR Congo's defence. Currently plying his trade at Marseille, a dependable defender, Chancel Mbemba combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Congo DR's backline. Has earned 60 international caps, scoring 2 goals, building significant international experience. Will feature for Congo DR at the 2026 World Cup, the team's second-ever appearance on the world stage.
MF Brian Kibambe Cipenga (born 11 March 1998) is a Congolese professional footballer who plays as a left winger for Spanish club CD Castellón and the DR Congo national team. Born in Kinshasa, Cipenga moved to Portugal at an early age and came through the Boavista FC youth academy. A pacy and direct wide player, he is known for his ability to beat defenders one-on-one and deliver dangerous crosses. After developing through Portuguese football, he joined Spanish Segunda División side CD Castellón in July 2024, quickly establishing himself in the squad. His directness and flair on the wing provide DR Congo with an exciting attacking option as they prepare for their historic second World Cup appearance in 2026.
MF Edo Kayembe is a Congolese midfielder currently playing for Watford in the English Championship. A product of Anderlecht's renowned academy in Belgium, Kayembe developed into a dynamic box-to-box midfielder known for his tireless engine, powerful ball-carrying, and ability to break up opposition play. After establishing himself in Belgian football with spells at Eupen and Anderlecht, he made the move to England with Watford, where he has become an integral part of the midfield. His ability to contribute both defensively and in attack, combined with his physical presence and passing range, makes him a key figure in DR Congo's midfield setup. As the Leopards prepare for the 2026 World Cup — the nation's second-ever appearance — Kayembe's experience in competitive English football will be invaluable in the heart of midfield.
MF Joris Kayembe Ditu (born 8 August 1994) is a Congolese professional footballer who plays as a winger for Belgian Pro League club KRC Genk and the DR Congo national team. Born in Brussels, Kayembe started his youth career with R.S.D. Jette, FC Brussels, and Standard Liège before signing for FC Porto in 2013, making his debut in May 2014. He later moved to Nantes in Ligue 1, gaining valuable experience across Portuguese, French, and Belgian football. Originally a Belgium international in a pair of friendly matches, Kayembe switched his international allegiance to DR Congo. A dynamic wide player with pace and crossing ability, he brings European top-flight experience to the Leopards' squad as they prepare for their historic second-ever World Cup appearance in 2026.
MF Meshack Elia is a fast and direct forward who plays for Alanyaspor in the Turkish Süper Lig. Originally from Tanzania, Elia declared for DR Congo at international level, adding explosive pace and attacking threat to the Leopards' frontline. Known for his blistering speed, direct dribbling, and ability to stretch defences, he has been a prolific attacker across multiple leagues. After starring for Young Boys in the Swiss Super League — where he was one of the top scorers and helped the club to league titles — Elia moved to Turkey with Alanyaspor. His experience of Champions League football with Young Boys and his proven goal-scoring ability make him one of DR Congo's most dangerous weapons going into the 2026 World Cup. His pace on the counter-attack will be a vital asset as the Leopards aim to make an impact in their second-ever World Cup appearance.
MF Ngal'ayel Mukau, commonly known as Mukau, is a young Congolese midfielder who plays for Lille OSC in the French Ligue 1. One of the most exciting young talents in Congolese football, Mukau has quickly made an impression in one of Europe's top leagues. A technically gifted midfielder with excellent vision and the ability to dictate the tempo of a match, he represents the future of DR Congo's midfield. Despite his young age, he has already shown the composure and intelligence to compete at the highest level in French football with Lille. His inclusion in DR Congo's 2026 World Cup squad — the nation's second-ever appearance — is a testament to his rapid development and the trust the coaching staff place in his ability to perform on the biggest stage in world football.
MF Nathanaël Mbuku is a French-born Congolese attacking midfielder and winger who plays for Montpellier in the French Ligue 1. A product of Stade de Reims' acclaimed academy, Mbuku burst onto the scene as a teenager with his electrifying dribbling, pace, and ability to create chances in the final third. His direct running and willingness to take on defenders make him a constant threat on the flank. After making his Ligue 1 debut at just 17, he gained experience at Augsburg in the Bundesliga before joining Montpellier. Having chosen to represent DR Congo rather than France at international level, Mbuku brings creativity and flair to the Leopards' attack. At the 2026 World Cup, his ability to unlock defences with individual brilliance could prove decisive for DR Congo in their second-ever appearance at the tournament.
MF Anderlecht defender and a young DR Congo international. Currently plying his trade at Standard Liège, a dependable defender, Noah Sadiki combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Congo DR's backline. Has earned 5 international caps, an emerging talent on the international stage. Will feature for Congo DR at the 2026 World Cup, the team's second-ever appearance on the world stage.
MF Cagliari midfielder who switched allegiance from France youth teams to DR Congo. Currently plying his trade at Nantes, an industrious midfielder, Samuel Moutoussamy excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Congo DR. Has earned 8 international caps, an emerging talent on the international stage. Will feature for Congo DR at the 2026 World Cup, the team's second-ever appearance on the world stage.
MF Cádiz winger and an attacking option for DR Congo. Currently plying his trade at Genk, a clinical forward, Théo Bongonda possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as Congo DR's primary attacking threat. Has earned 12 international caps, scoring 2 goals. Will feature for Congo DR at the 2026 World Cup, the team's second-ever appearance on the world stage.
MF Midfielder who chose to represent DR Congo internationally. Currently plying his trade at Zürich, an industrious midfielder, Charles Pickel excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Congo DR. Has earned 10 international caps. Will feature for Congo DR at the 2026 World Cup, the team's second-ever appearance on the world stage.
MF Former Chelsea academy product and DR Congo's creative midfielder. Currently plying his trade at Lens, an industrious midfielder, Gaël Kakuta excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Congo DR. Has earned 15 international caps, scoring 3 goals. Born in 1991, the 34-year-old veteran continues to compete at the highest level, bringing invaluable experience and professionalism. Will feature for Congo DR at the 2026 World Cup, the team's second-ever appearance on the world stage.
FW Simon Banza is a French-born Congolese striker who plays for Al Jazira in Abu Dhabi. A clinical finisher with an eye for goal, Banza developed through the ranks of French football before making a significant impact in Portugal with SC Braga, where he established himself as one of the Primeira Liga's most consistent goal scorers. Previously at RC Lens in Ligue 1, he gained valuable experience in French top-flight football before his move to Portugal proved a masterstroke, with regular goals in both league and European competition. His subsequent move to Al Jazira in the UAE Pro League brought financial reward, though he remains committed to the DR Congo national team. Having chosen to represent the Leopards over France, Banza's goal-scoring prowess, intelligent movement, and aerial ability make him a crucial player for DR Congo's 2026 World Cup campaign — the nation's historic second appearance at the tournament.
FW One of DR Congo's all-time top scorers. Currently plying his trade at Real Betis, a clinical forward, Cédric Bakambu possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as Congo DR's primary attacking threat. Has earned 40 international caps, scoring 15 goals, demonstrating consistent attacking output. Born in 1991, the 35-year-old veteran continues to compete at the highest level, bringing invaluable experience and professionalism. Will feature for Congo DR at the 2026 World Cup, the team's second-ever appearance on the world stage.
FW Pyramids FC forward and DR Congo's prolific striker. Currently plying his trade at Pyramids FC, a clinical forward, Fiston Mayele possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as Congo DR's primary attacking threat. Has earned 15 international caps, scoring 5 goals, demonstrating consistent attacking output. Will feature for Congo DR at the 2026 World Cup, the team's second-ever appearance on the world stage.
FW Brentford forward and DR Congo's key attacker. Currently plying his trade at Brentford, a clinical forward, Yoane Wissa possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as Congo DR's primary attacking threat. Has earned 15 international caps, scoring 5 goals, demonstrating consistent attacking output. Will feature for Congo DR at the 2026 World Cup, the team's second-ever appearance on the world stage.
GROUP STANDINGS — Group K
GROUP RIVALS — Group K
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FAQ
- What group is Congo DR in at the 2026 World Cup?
- Congo DR are in Group K alongside Colombia, Portugal, Uzbekistan.
- Who is the head coach of Congo DR?
- The head coach of Congo DR is Sébastien Desabre.
- When is Congo DR's first World Cup match?
- July 1, 2026 against England at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
- What is Congo DR's best World Cup finish?
- Congo DR's best result is Group stage, with 1 total appearances.