Congo DR arrive at the 2026 World Cup for only the second time in their history, more than half a century after their debut. They first appeared in 1974 as Zaire, becoming the first sub Saharan African nation to reach the tournament. That campaign ended in the group stage with three defeats, including a nine nil loss to Yugoslavia, but the achievement cracked open the door for African football on the global stage. The Leopards carry that founding legacy into 2026 with a squad built around European based professionals and a fierce continental identity.

Their route to 2026 was earned the hard way. Finishing second in CAF Group B behind Senegal, they entered the African qualifying playoffs in Rabat. On 11/13/25 they edged Cameroon one nil, with captain Chancel Mbemba turning in a corner in stoppage time. Three days later they faced Nigeria in the final, drawing one all after extra time before winning four goals to three on penalties, with substitute goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu making two crucial saves and Mbemba converting the decisive kick. That earned a place in the intercontinental playoff, where on 03/31/26 in Guadalajara, Axel Tuanzebe bundled home from a corner in the 100th minute to beat Jamaica one nil and send the Leopards to their first World Cup in 52 years.