The Leopards’ leap: How Sebastien Desabre reawakened DRC for World Cup 2026

DR CONGO | The Leopards

• Head Coach: Sébastien Desabre

• Captain: Chancel Mbemba

• Key Player: Cédric Bakambu

• All-time scorer: Dieumerci Mbokani (22 goals)

• Best Ranking: 39th in 2017 as DR Congo (28th in 1974 as Zaire)

• Worst Ranking: 133rd

• Current World Ranking: 46th

• FIFA World Cup Appearances: Twice (1974 as Zaire, and 2026)

• FIFA World Cup Best Finish: Group stage

THE Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will be making their first appearance at the Fifa World Cup under their current name, and their second overall, having debuted at the global showpiece in 1974 as Zaire.

The Leopards are, therefore, ending a 52-year absence, completing their resurgence under French coach Sébastien Desabre. The sub-Saharan Africans secured qualification by defeating Jamaica 1-0 in Mexico in the inter-confederation play-offs, having earlier finished as runners-up to reigning African champions Senegal in Group B of the CAF qualifiers.

They had previously defeated heavyweights such as Cameroon and Nigeria — both ranked above them and missing out on the World Cup — in the play-offs for the best second-placed teams.

Coach Desabre

Those results underlined Desabre’s influence since taking charge in 2022. He has since led them to a fourth-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, the round of 16 in the 2025 edition of the same tournament, and World Cup qualification. Now, the next target is to lead the DRC to their first-ever win at the global showpiece.

Captain Mbemba

Defender Chancel Mbemba has racked up over 100 caps for the DRC national team and will be appearing at his seventh major tournament with the Leopards, adding to his six Africa Cup of Nations appearances. His outstanding club career has seen him feature for Anderlecht, Newcastle, Porto, Marseille, and Lille.

Player to watch — Bakambu

An experienced and well-travelled striker (his club career has taken him to France, Spain, Turkey, China, Greece, and the UAE), Cédric Bakambu will spearhead DR Congo’s attack at the 2026 World Cup. He scored four times in World Cup qualifying and will be carrying the burden of scoring the Leopards’ first-ever goal at the World Cup finals.

Other players strengthening the pack will be goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, full-backs Arthur Masuaku and West Ham United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, attacking midfielder Meschak Elia, and versatile forward Yoane Wissa.

2026 World Cup (Group K) and Fixtures

While the DRC may struggle against Portugal and Colombia, they do have a strong chance of finishing among the best third-placed nations. They should fancy themselves to get maximum points against World Cup debutants Uzbekistan, and at least grind out a draw against Portugal and/or Colombia.

Uzbekistan are also on the rise as they hold their best FIFA ranking of 50th, for a second year in a row now.

• Portugal v DR Congo, Wednesday, June 17, 7pm

• Colombia v DR Congo, Wednesday, June 24, 4am

• DR Congo v Uzbekistan, Sunday, June 28, 1.30am