The DR Congo national football team, known as “Les Léopards” (The Leopards), represents the Democratic Republic of the Congo in international association football. Controlled by the Congolese Federation Sports Association (FECOFA), the team is one of Africa’s most talented sides, qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup under head coach Sébastien Desabre. With a squad featuring European-based stars like Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Yoane Wissa, and Chancel Mbemba, DR Congo enters the tournament as one of the most exciting African teams.
Location and Contact Information
- Governing Body: Congolese Football Association (FECOFA)
- Head Coach: Sébastien Desabre
- Home Stadium: Stade des Martyrs, Kinshasa
- Confederation: CAF (Africa)
History
DR Congo first made an impact on the world stage as Zaire, winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 1968 and 1974. The 1974 team became the first Sub-Saharan African side to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, though they lost all three group stage matches. After decades of struggles, DR Congo has experienced a renaissance, reaching the semifinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. The 2026 World Cup marks their second appearance at the tournament and their first as DR Congo.
Key Achievements
- Africa Cup of Nations: Champions (1968, 1974); Third place (1998, 2015, 2023)
- FIFA World Cup: Group stage (1974 as Zaire, 2026 as DR Congo)
- FIFA Confederations Cup: Runners-up (2025)
Current Squad — Players, Positions, and Clubs (2026)
Goalkeepers
- Lionel Mpasi (1) — Goalkeeper — TP Mazembe
- Timothy Fayulu (16) — Goalkeeper — Seraing (Belgium)
- Matthieu Epolo (21) — Goalkeeper — Standard Liège (Belgium)
Defenders
- Aaron Wan-Bissaka (2) — Right Back — West Ham United (England)
- Steve Kapuadi (3) — Centre Back — Legia Warsaw (Poland)
- Axel Tuanzebe (4) — Centre Back — Derby County (England)
- Dylan Batubinsika (5) — Centre Back — Saint-Étienne (France)
- Joris Kayembe (12) — Right Back — Genk (Belgium)
- Chancel Mbemba (22) — Centre Back — Al-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia)
- Gédéon Kalulu (24) — Right Back — Lorient (France)
- Arthur Masuaku (26) — Left Back — Standard Liège (Belgium)
Midfielders
- Ngal’ayel Mukau (6) — Midfielder — Rennes (France)
- Samuel Moutoussamy (8) — Midfielder — Nantes (France)
- Théo Bongonda (10) — Midfielder — Spartak Moscow (Russia)
- Gaël Kakuta (11) — Midfielder — Amiens (France)
- Noah Sadiki (14) — Midfielder — Eupen (Belgium)
- Aaron Tshibola (15) — Midfielder — Lamia (Cyprus)
- Charles Pickel (18) — Midfielder — Cremonese (Italy)
- Edo Kayembe (25) — Midfielder — Watford (England)
Forwards
- Nathanaël Mbuku (7) — Forward — Augsburg (Germany)
- Brian Cipenga (9) — Forward — Uniao da Madeira (Portugal)
- Meschack Elia (13) — Forward — Young Boys (Switzerland)
- Cédric Bakambu (17) — Forward — Galatasaray (Turkey)
- Fiston Mayele (19) — Forward — Pyramids (Egypt)
- Yoane Wissa (20) — Forward — Brentford (England)
- Simon Banza (23) — Forward — Braga (Portugal)
Notable Players
- Aaron Wan-Bissaka: Elite right-back at West Ham United; known for his 1-on-1 defensive ability; one of the best full-backs in the Premier League
- Yoane Wissa: Prolific forward at Brentford; top scorer during 2026 World Cup qualifying; clinical finisher
- Chancel Mbemba: Experienced center-back at Al-Ittihad; captain material with extensive international experience
- Gaël Kakuta: Playmaker who once was considered one of the world’s brightest young talents; creative force in midfield
- Cédric Bakambu: Veteran forward at Galatasaray; former AFCON top scorer; provides experience and goal threat
- Meschack Elia: Young Swiss-based forward; scored on his World Cup debut
World Cup 2026 Campaign
DR Congo entered the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of Africa’s most dangerous sides. Under Sébastien Desabre, the team played an attacking brand of football built around Wissa’s goal-scoring, Wan-Bissaka’s defensive solidity, and Kakuta’s creativity. Their group stage opponents included Brazil, Portugal, and Japan. While drawn in a challenging group, DR Congo’s European-based talent and team cohesion made them a potential dark horse to advance to the knockout rounds.
CONTACT US
For more information or to visit us, here are our branch addresses:
- Branch 1: Naungayan Building, Aala Road, Barangay Mankilam, Tagum City, Davao Del Norte
- Branch 2: Sobrecary Street (In front of Velox Gas Station), Tagum City, Davao Del Norte
- Email: gracezelguerra22@gmail.com
- Phone: 09460480491
- Business Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (PH Time)
- Facebook Page: Visit our Facebook Page