DR Congo, formerly known as Zaire, have returned to the FIFA World Cup, as they want to create history in the FIFA World Cup 2026. After a tough group stage battle in the qualification process, the Leopards successfully featured in the regional playoffs to qualify for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
In the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualification (CAF), DR Congo were in Group B, where they faced Mauritania, Sudan, Senegal, Togo, and South Sudan. DR Congo finished the group stage in the second position with 22 points after seven wins, one draw, and two losses, while they were two points behind the table topper Senegal (24 points).
DR Congo advanced to the CAF second round qualification process, which was the regional playoffs, as they were the second-best second-placed team in the first round CAF qualification process. After beating Cameroon in the Semi-final by 1-0, Congo DR had a 1-1 result against Nigeria in the Final, as the Leopards claimed a penalty shootout win in the final to secure their place for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
DR Congo's performance in the FIFA WC 2026 Qualification CAF Group B
DR Congo 2 – 0 Mauritania
Sudan 1 – 0 DR Congo
Senegal 1 – 1 DR Congo
DR Congo 1 – 0 Togo
DR Congo 1 – 0 South Sudan
Mauritania 0 – 2 DR Congo
South Sudan 1 – 4 DR Congo
DR Congo 2 – 3 Senegal
Togo 0 – 1 DR Congo
DR Congo 1 – 0 Sudan
CAF Playoffs (Second Round)
Semi-final: Cameroon 0 – 1 DR Congo
Final: Nigeria 1 (3) – 1 (4) DR Congo
DR Congo in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualification Final Status
Matches played: 12
Won: 8
Drawn: 2
Lost: 2
Goals Scored: 17
Goals Conceded: 8
Leading Goal Scorer: Cédric Bakambu – 4 goals
DR Congo FIFA World Cup records
As Zaire, DR Congo participated in the FIFA World Cup 1974, where they were eliminated from the group stage after losing all three of their matches. For DR Congo, the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be their first experience in the competition's history.
DR Congo group stage schedule in the FIFA World Cup 2026
DR Congo are in Group K in the FIFA World Cup 2026, where they will face Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan.
June 17: Portugal vs DR Congo at NRG Stadium, Houston (12:00 local time)
June 23: Colombia vs DR Congo at Estadio Akron, Zapopan (20:00 local time)
June 27: DR Congo vs Uzbekistan at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta (19:30 local time)
