Congo DR are finally back on the FIFA World Cup stage after more than five decades away.
The Leopards secured their place at FIFA World Cup 2026™ through the FIFA Play-Off Tournament, ending a long wait that stretched back to their only previous appearance in 1974.
With a talented generation led by Cedric Bakambu, Chancel Mbemba and Arthur Masuaku, Congo DR now have the chance to write a new chapter in the nation’s football history.
Sebastien Desabre took charge of Congo DR in August 2022 and immediately set ambitious targets for the team.
The French coach wanted to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations and reach FIFA World Cup 2026™ — and he has now delivered both.
After guiding the Leopards to the semi-finals of AFCON 2023, Desabre built a strong identity and earned the trust of both players and supporters.
Although he never played professionally, his coaching experience across Africa and the Middle East has made him one of the most respected tacticians on the continent.
Congo DR’s road to FIFA World Cup 2026™ was dramatic and emotional.
They narrowly missed automatic qualification after losing 3-2 to Senegal in a decisive Group B clash, despite taking a 2-0 lead.
As one of the best second-placed teams in CAF qualifying, the Leopards entered the African play-offs.
Chancel Mbemba scored a late winner against Cameroon before Congo DR defeated Nigeria on penalties in the play-off final.
Their journey was completed in the FIFA Play-Off Tournament, where Axel Tuanzebe scored in extra time to seal a 1-0 win over Jamaica and send Congo DR back to the World Cup.
Congo DR competed at their first FIFA World Cup in 1974 under the name Zaire.
They became only the third African country to appear at the World Cup, following Egypt and Morocco.
At West Germany 1974, Zaire were drawn into a difficult group with Scotland, Yugoslavia and Brazil.
They lost all three matches and did not score, but their participation remains an important milestone in African football history.
Congo DR have yet to score a goal at the FIFA World Cup.
That means players such as Cedric Bakambu, Yoane Wissa and the new generation of Leopards will have a historic opportunity at FIFA World Cup 2026™.
The first Congo DR player to score on the global stage will instantly enter the nation’s football history books.
During the 1974 World Cup, 18 players featured for Congo DR, then known as Zaire.
Ten players appeared in all three group-stage matches: Lobilo Boba, Muepu Ilunga, Kembo Uba Kembo, Mayanga Maku, Mana Mambuené, Kidumu Mantantu, Kilasu Massamba, Kazadi Muamba, Mwanza Nel Mukombo and Buanga Tshimen.
Congo DR’s 1974 appearance remains one of the most important moments in the country’s football history.
Although the results were difficult, the Leopards represented Africa on the global stage during an era when very few African nations had reached the World Cup.
Now, more than 50 years later, a new generation has the chance to reshape how the world remembers Congo DR at the tournament.
After decades of waiting, Congo DR return to the FIFA World Cup with belief, experience and a golden generation ready to compete.
The Leopards now have the chance to create new records, score their first World Cup goal and inspire a new era for Congolese football.
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