DR Congo 2026 World Cup Preview - Slim Chance for Leopards in Group K

Tolu Shotade

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Last updated: Sat 23 May 2026 16:21

Tolu Shotade 23 May 2026

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DR Congo return to the World Cup after a historic qualifying run through the inter-confederation play-offs
Coach Sébastien Desabre combines tactical discipline with an effective and dynamic counter-attacking style
The Leopards are solid dark horses to get out of Group K

DR Congo

DR Congo head to the 2026 FIFA World Cup looking to make their mark on the global stage. No longer a collection of individual stars, this set of players enter the tournament as a battle-tested unit.

The Leopards enjoyed a dramatic and hard-fought qualification campaign and are one of the most intriguing teams to watch out for in North America.

World Cup History

Despite boasting some of the most passionate football history in Central Africa, DR Congo has long waited for a return to the world stage, with their previous qualification dating back to the 20th century under its former name, Zaire.

The 2026 tournament marks only their second appearance on the global stage, having featured for the first time in 1974.

Year	Host	Stage Reached
1974	West Germany	Group Stage (as Zaire)

The Road to 2026 - Drama in the Play-offs

DR Congo fought fiercely through CAF Qualification Group B, pushing heavyweights Senegal all the way to finish second in the table. They progressed to the continental playoffs, beating Nigeria on penalties to a spot in the high-stakes inter-confederation play-offs.

Sébastien Desabre's side booked their place in North America in thrilling fashion in Path 1 of the Inter-Confederation Play-off Final. They faced Jamaica at the Guadalajara Stadium in a tense 0-0 stalemate that dragged into extra time before defender Axel Tuanzebe scored a historic 100th-minute winner to seal a 1-0 victory and a place in the global football showpiece.

The Manager - Sébastien Desabre

Appointed in 2022 to rebuild a fractured team after they failed to reach the 2022 World Cup, Sébastien Desabre has engineered a remarkable renaissance. He led the team to a semi-final run at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and also impressed at this year’s tournament in Morocco.

The Frenchman relies on deep defensive organisation, strong physical intensity, and explosive, vertical transitions. Under his stewardship, the Leopards are usually fearless going into games and have established themselves as a team that thrives on the big occasion.

The Squad - Tactical Discipline and Physical Intensity

DR Congo’s squad is anchored by experienced leaders like captain Chancel Mbemba and veteran striker Cédric Bakambu, while exciting young talent like Lille's Ngal'ayel Mukau and Sunderland’s dynamic midfielder Noah Sadiki are also part of the roster.

The squad features elite talent out wide and in transition, including Yoane Wissa, Théo Bongonda, Meschack Elia, and Nathanaël Mbuku. Defensively, the Leopards are incredibly robust following the integration of dual-national stars like Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe.

Pos	Player	Age	Caps	Goals
GK	Lionel Mpasi	32	16	0
GK	Timothy Fayulu	26	5	0
GK	Matthieu Epolo	21	0	0
DF	Chancel Mbemba	31	88	6
DF	Arthur Masuaku	32	28	2
DF	Gédéon Kalulu	28	15	0
DF	Joris Kayembe	31	17	0
DF	Dylan Batubinsika	30	12	0
DF	Rocky Bushiri	26	3	0
DF	Aaron Wan-Bissaka	28	6	0
DF	Axel Tuanzebe	28	8	1
DF	Steve Kapuadi	28	2	0
MF	Gaël Kakuta	34	26	3
MF	Samuel Moutoussamy	29	35	0
MF	Charles Pickel	29	17	1
MF	Edo Kayembe	27	21	1
MF	Brian Cipenga	28	1	0
MF	Théo Bongonda	30	22	4
MF	Meschack Elia	28	44	8
MF	Noah Sadiki	21	5	0
MF	Ngal'ayel Mukau	21	3	1
MF	Nathanaël Mbuku	24	4	1
FW	Yoane Wissa	29	24	5
FW	Cédric Bakambu	35	56	18
FW	Fiston Mayele	31	18	4
FW	Simon Banza	29	11	0

*Caps and goals as of 31 March 2026,

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Lionel Mpasi; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku; Charles Pickel, Samuel Moutoussamy; Théo Bongonda, Gaël Kakuta, Yoane Wissa; Cédric Bakambu.

Players to Watch

Chancel Mbemba: He is the undisputed leader and captain of the team. A colossus in the DR Congo defence. Mbemba's aerial dominance, physical presence, and progressive ball-playing ability make him a vital foundation of Desabre's structural stability.

Cedric Bakambu: The 35-year-old brings undoubted experience to the team, having built a nomadic and prolific career spanning top leagues in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. He is Renowned for his explosive counter-attacking threat and clinical finishing, and is expected to play a pivotal role in the summer.

Yoane Wissa: The Newcastle United star is the primary creative and goalscoring catalyst for his country. His quick feet, direct running, and sharp instincts in the final third offer DR Congo a lethal attacking dimension.

Axel Tuanzebe: After securing his place in national folklore with the extra-time winner against Jamaica, the versatile defender will look to cement his legacy in North America. He is a prime candidate to partner Mbemba at the back, giving the squad an elite defensive baseline.

Group K Schedule and Path to the Final

DR Congo were drawn into Group K against European giants Portugal, South American powerhouses Colombia, and Asian representatives Uzbekistan.

Date	Opponent	Venue
June 17	Portugal	NRG Stadium, Houston
June 24	Colombia	Estadio Akron, Zapopan
June 28	Uzbekistan	Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

If DR Congo win Group K, they will face a 3rd placed team from Group D, E, I, J, or L in the Round of 32.

Finishing as runners-up would see the Leopards face the runners-up from Group L. Qualifying as one of the eight best third-placed teams would see DR Congo face a group winner.

2026 World Cup Winner Betting Odds

Backing DR Congo at the World Cup is an ambitious but highly enticing long shot. While the chances of winning the entire tournament are slim to none, they could be a thrilling wildcard to progress from the group.

Team	Odds
Spain	5.50
France	6.00
England	7.00
Brazil	9.00
Argentina	9.00
Portugal	12.00
Germany	13.00
Netherlands	21:00
Norway	26.00
Belgium	34.00
Colombia	34.00
Japan	51.00
Morocco	51.00
USA	67.00
Uruguay	67.00
Mexico	81.00
Switzerland	81.00
Croatia	81.00
Turkey	81.00
Ecuador	101.00
Senegal	101.00
Sweden	126.00
Austria	151.00
Canada	151.00
Paraguay	151.00
Scotland	251.00
Bosnia and Herzegovina	251.00
Czech Republic	301.00
Ivory Coast	301.00
Egypt	301.00
Algeria	401.00
Ghana	401.00
South Korea	501.00
Australia	501.00
Tunisia	501.00
Korea Republic	501.00
Iran	501.00
Australia	501.00
DR Congo	751.00

* Source: Stake.com and correct on 21 May 2026

Group K Straight Forecast Betting Odds

DR Congo face a challenging task in Group K, with Portugal entering as clear favourites. The Colombians have also shown some good form lately and will fancy their chances of progressing, leaving the Leopards to push as one of the best third-placed teams over Uzbekistan.

Team	Odds
Portugal	1.40
Colombia	4.50
DR Congo	12.00
Uzbekistan	26.00

* Source: Stake.com and correct on 21 May 2026

DR Congo Stage of Elimination

The expanded 48-team tournament means DR Congo could be hopeful of reaching the knockout rounds. Given the dynamics of this year’s tournament, a singular victory in Group K could be enough to see them into the Round of 32.

Stage	Odds
Group Stage	2.10
Round of 32	2.25
Round of 16	6.50
Quarter-finals	17.00
Semi-finals	51.00
Runner-Up	251.00
Winner	751.00

2026 World Cup Top African Team Betting Odds

Morocco and Senegal remain the favourites to lead the African charge at the World Cup, but given the price on DR Congo, they could be worth considering for an underdog run.