DR Congo

DR Congo — the Leopards — return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1974 (when they competed as Zaire), drawn into Group K alongside Portugal, Uzbekistan, and Colombia. This is a 52-year gap — the same as Haiti — making it one of the most remarkable return stories at the tournament.

Portugal and Colombia are the group favorites. Uzbekistan are fellow underdogs. DR Congo's best path forward runs through the Uzbekistan match and potentially stealing points from one of the heavyweights.

Why this group matters: DR Congo have one of the largest populations in Africa (over 100 million) and are a footballing nation that has underachieved relative to their talent pool. Qualifying for 2026 signals a potential turning point.

Portugal on opening day is a tough start. Colombia on Matchday 2 features two African/South American attacking teams. Uzbekistan on Matchday 3 is the must-win fixture.

DR Congo have appeared in 1 FIFA World Cup (as Zaire):

• 1974 (West Germany): Zaire's only previous World Cup was a difficult experience. They lost all three group matches — 2-0 to Scotland, 9-0 to Yugoslavia (still the largest margin of defeat in World Cup group-stage history), and 3-0 to Brazil. The Mwepu Ilunga "free kick" incident (where a Congolese player ran out of the wall and kicked the ball away before a Brazilian free kick was taken) became one of the most famous World Cup moments, though its context — players reportedly facing threats for poor results — gives it a darker undertone.
• African Cup of Nations: DR Congo (as Zaire/Congo) have won the AFCON twice (1968, 1974) and reached the semifinal in 2015.
• Talent production: Despite limited World Cup history, DR Congo and its diaspora have produced numerous players who represent other nations — most notably France, Belgium, and England.

DR Congo's manager plays a physical, direct system — typically a 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 — that leverages the squad's athleticism and pace.

• Physical dominance in midfield and defense
• Wissa and Bakambu's pace as the primary attacking weapons
• Mbemba's defensive organization protecting the goalkeeper
• Set pieces as a significant goal source
• Counter-attacking transitions against stronger opponents

Against Portugal and Colombia, expect DR Congo to sit deep and counter. Against Uzbekistan, they will look to control the match.

Congolese football culture is vibrant, musical, and deeply passionate — a reflection of one of Africa's most culturally rich nations.

• Rumba and football: Congolese music — particularly rumba and soukous — is inseparable from fan culture. Drums, singing, and dancing create an electric atmosphere.
• 100 million fans: DR Congo's massive population means the fan base is enormous, even if infrastructure challenges limit organized support.
• Diaspora presence: Significant Congolese communities in Belgium, France, the UK, and the United States will provide support. The Paris and Brussels Congolese communities are particularly large and vocal.
• 1974 memories: The Zaire World Cup is remembered with a complex mix of pride (qualifying was remarkable) and pain (the results and the political context under Mobutu's regime).

Why to watch if you are a casual fan: DR Congo have waited 52 years for this moment. Their Premier League star (Yoane Wissa) and European-experienced squad give them genuine quality. The cultural energy of Congolese fans — the drumming, the dancing, the passion — will be one of the great spectacles of the group stage.

DR Congo need to beat Uzbekistan and take something from Portugal or Colombia.

Prediction: Group stage exit. DR Congo will be competitive and could surprise Uzbekistan, but advancing from a group with Portugal and Colombia requires two upsets. A spirited group-stage campaign with a victory over Uzbekistan would be a strong showing.