DR Congo

Where to Watch – Streaming Options

ServiceTypeCostDetails
RTNC Free CDF 0 DR Congo's national public broadcaster airs all Les Léopards national team fixtures free-to-air, including Group K matches vs Portugal (June 17, Houston), vs Colombia (June 23, Guadalajara) and vs Uzbekistan (June 28, Atlanta). DR Congo's fourth World Cup appearance. Available via standard TV reception and the RTNC website.
Canal+ Afrique Paid From ~$10–20 USD/month Pan-African pay-TV platform broadcasting all 104 World Cup matches in DR Congo via satellite. French-language studio coverage and analysis. Available via Canal+ satellite dish and the myCANAL app on iOS and Android. Includes all Les Léopards fixtures plus the full tournament.
SuperSport (DStv) Paid Included with DStv plan SuperSport via DStv covers all 104 World Cup matches in DR Congo through its sub-licensing deal with New World TV for Sub-Saharan Africa. Available via DStv satellite and the DStv Stream app. Includes English and French commentary options and full on-demand replays after every match.
DR Congo National Football Team – FIFA Ranking #48 · World Cup 2026
FIFA Ranking
#48[1]
World Cup Appearances
1974 (as Zaire) · 2026
Best Result
Group Stage
1974 · 2026

Country

  • CapitalKinshasa
  • Population~100 million
  • ContinentAfrica
  • ConfederationCAF
  • National associationFECOFA – Fédération Congolaise de Football Association

World Cup history

  • Titles: 0
    DR Congo has never won the FIFA World Cup
  • Total appearances: 3[2]
    Competed as Zaire in 1974 — the first sub-Saharan African nation at the World Cup. Now return 52 years later as one of Africa's most talented squads
  • 1974
    Zaire — first sub-Saharan African nation
    Made history as the first sub-Saharan African nation at the World Cup — despite difficult circumstances, a landmark moment for African football
  • 2026
    Historic return — intercontinental playoff[3]
    Beat Nigeria in the CAF playoff on penalties, then defeated Jamaica 1–0 in the intercontinental playoff to qualify — a remarkable achievement for a nation with enormous footballing potential
  • Group K
    DR Congo arrive as Africa's dark horses — Wissa and Bakambu provide the attacking quality to threaten any opponent

Head coach

SD
Sébastien Desabre
French coach[4]

French coach who guided DR Congo through a remarkable qualification campaign — overcoming Nigeria in the CAF playoff on penalties before defeating Jamaica 1–0 in the intercontinental playoff to secure the historic berth. Organised, pragmatic and has built a committed collective capable of defending resolutely and striking with real quality on the break.[5]

Key players

Winger / Forward

Yoane Wissa ↗

Powerful, pacey winger-forward who has been outstanding in the Premier League for Brentford. Directness, physicality and a real goal threat make him DR Congo's most dangerous attacker — a player who can genuinely hurt any defence.

Striker

Cédric Bakambu ↗

Experienced striker with Champions League experience at the top of European football. The focal point of the attack — brings composure, aerial presence and the seasoned quality of a player who has performed at the very highest level.

Centre-back

Chancel Mbemba ↗

Commanding captain and centre-back who has been one of the best defenders in Ligue 1. Brings leadership, physicality and the experience of multiple major competitions — the defensive organiser DR Congo rely on entirely.

Goalkeeper

Joël Kiassumbua ↗

Reliable and consistent goalkeeper who kept the team in crucial matches during their dramatic qualification run. Brings composure and the shot-stopping quality needed to compete with the tournament's elite forward lines.

© 2026 DR Congo Football Team Profile