DR Congo
Eliminated in the round of 32
Lost 1-2 to England
DR Congo are out, beaten 2-1 by England in the round of 32, but this was a proud, historic run.
It was their first World Cup since 1974, when they played as Zaire, a 52-year wait to get back.
Reaching the round of 32 was the best result in their history, and they even led England before losing at the end.
DR Congo's 2026 World Cup matches
See the full Group K standings →DR Congo squad and manager
Manager: Sébastien Desabre
| 👕 No. | 🧑 Player | 🛡️ Club |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeepers (3) | ||
| 1 | Lionel Mpasi | Le Havre |
| 16 | Timothy Fayulu | Noah |
| 21 | Matthieu Epolo | Standard Liège |
| Defenders (8) | ||
| 2 | Aaron Wan-Bissaka | West Ham United |
| 3 | Steve Kapuadi | Widzew Łódź |
| 4 | Axel Tuanzebe | Burnley |
| 5 | Dylan Batubinsika | AEL |
| 12 | Joris Kayembe | Genk |
| 22 | Chancel Mbemba | Lille |
| 24 | Gédéon Kalulu | Aris Limassol |
| 26 | Arthur Masuaku | Lens |
| Midfielders (8) | ||
| 6 | Ngal'ayel Mukau | Lille |
| 7 | Nathanaël Mbuku | Montpellier |
| 8 | Samuel Moutoussamy | Atromitos |
| 10 | Théo Bongonda | Spartak Moscow |
| 14 | Noah Sadiki | Sunderland |
| 15 | Aaron Tshibola | Kilmarnock |
| 18 | Charles Pickel | Espanyol |
| 25 | Edo Kayembe | Watford |
| Forwards (7) | ||
| 9 | Brian Cipenga | Castellón |
| 11 | Gaël Kakuta | AEL |
| 13 | Meschak Elia | Alanyaspor |
| 17 | Cédric Bakambu | Real Betis |
| 19 | Fiston Mayele | Pyramids |
| 20 | Yoane Wissa | Newcastle United |
| 23 | Simon Banza | Al Jazira |
DR Congo at the World Cup
- FIFA ranking
- #55
- World Cup appearance
- 2nd
- Best finish
- Group stage
- Confederation
- CAF
- Group
- Group K
How did DR Congo's historic run end?
DR Congo are out, but they leave with great pride after a run nobody expected.
They were back at a World Cup for the first time in 52 years, since 1974 when they played as Zaire.
They finished 3rd in Group K as the best 3rd-place team, coming from 0-1 down to beat Uzbekistan 3-1 in their last group game.
Then in the round of 32 they shocked England, taking a 1-0 lead through Brian Cipenga and playing the better football for most of the game.
They were minutes from one of the biggest surprise wins ever, and only 2 late Harry Kane goals finally beat them.
Their leader is captain Chancel Mbemba, with forwards Cedric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa (Newcastle United) their main goal scorers.
Coach Sebastien Desabre built a team full of energy and belief, and they scared one of the favorites.
This was the best result in DR Congo's history, so there is no shame in going out this way.
The mood is proud and emotional, a whole nation that believed and pushed one of the favorites to the very end.
DR Congo's recent results
- L1-2ChileJune 9, 2026Friendly
- D0-0DenmarkJune 3, 2026Friendly
Last 12 months before the tournament. Source: international match records.
Common questions
Which group were DR Congo in at the 2026 World Cup?
DR Congo were in Group K with Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan. They finished 3rd in the group.
Who is DR Congo's manager?
DR Congo are managed by Sébastien Desabre.
What is DR Congo's best World Cup result?
DR Congo's best ever World Cup result is reaching the round of 32, which they did in 2026.
Are DR Congo still in the 2026 World Cup?
No, DR Congo were knocked out in the round of 32 by England.
What is DR Congo's FIFA ranking?
DR Congo are ranked 55 in the FIFA world rankings.