The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has officially qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending a 52-year absence from football's premier tournament. The Leopards secured their spot through the CAF qualification process for the expanded 48-team tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
DR Congo's last and only World Cup appearance was in 1974, when the nation was known as Zaire. The team did not advance past the group stage during that tournament in West Germany. The current qualification is seen as a significant milestone for Congolese football, which has produced notable talent but struggled on the international stage for decades.
The qualification campaign was managed by coach Sébastien Desabre, who took over the national team in 2024. Key players in the successful run included striker Cédric Bakambu and midfielder Gaël Kakuta. The team's style has been noted for its physicality and pace.
The 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams, with Africa's allocation increased to nine direct qualifying spots. DR Congo will learn its group stage opponents at the final draw, scheduled for late 2025. The nation's fans are celebrating the historic achievement, which brings global football attention back to the Central African country.
