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DR Congo is a two-time World Cup participant (1974 as Zaire, 2026), playing at the World Cup for the first time in 52 years. At the 2026 World Cup, DR Congo plays in Group K against Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan. Head coach Sébastien Desabre, a Frenchman (since 2022), is the former Uganda coach. The leaders: Cédric Bakambu (Real Betis), Yoane Wissa, Meschack Elia, Théo Bongonda.

In 1974 in Germany, Zaire (today's DR Congo) debuted at the World Cup — the first sub-Saharan African country in tournament history. The Mobutu era: the team was prepared under government pressure. All three matches: defeats, but one moment went international — after a Brazil goal, Ilunga Mwepu ran to the ball on a free-kick and kicked it far from goal to stop a fresh attack. The referee showed yellow — but the moment entered World Cup episode textbooks. Zaire conceded 14 goals in three matches. After 1974: 52 years away from the World Cup.

Qualifying was dramatic. DR Congo finished second in the CAF group behind Senegal, then went through two African rounds, and in the inter-continental play-off against Jamaica on April 1, 2026, won 1:0 in extra time. That closed the 52-year gap. In Group K the main rival is Colombia (June 27 in Kansas City). Matches are in Houston, Miami, and Kansas City. The chance for a round of 16 is minimal, but the team returns to world football after half a century of absence.

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