FIFA World Cup 2026 DR Congo: Schedule, How to Watch, History & Record
Fifty-two years is a long time to wait. DR Congo, competing as Zaire in 1974, became the first Sub-Saharan African nation to reach a FIFA World Cup. Then they disappeared from the tournament for half a century. A dramatic extra-time goal from Axel Tuanzebe against Jamaica in March 2026 ended that wait, sending the Leopards back to football’s biggest stage.
They land in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan. It is the toughest draw they could have asked for, and they would not have it any other way.
Sébastien Desabre, the French coach who took charge in August 2022, has built a squad stacked with European-based talent. DR Congo sit 46th in the FIFA world rankings as of April 1, 2026. For a nation at the World Cup for only the second time ever, that ranking reflects real progress.
DR Congo World Cup 2026 Schedule (Local Time)
DR Congo operates on Central Africa Time (CAT), which is UTC+2 with no daylight saving time. Kinshasa is two hours ahead of UTC, so some kick-offs fall in the early hours of the following morning for fans watching at home.
| Date | Opponent | Time (CAT) | Time (ET) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 17, 2026 | Portugal | 7:00 PM | 1:00 PM | Houston Stadium |
| June 23, 2026 | Colombia | 4:00 AM (Jun 24) | 10:00 PM | Guadalajara Stadium |
| June 27, 2026 | Uzbekistan | 1:30 AM (Jun 28) | 7:30 PM | Atlanta Stadium |
The June 17 opener against Portugal is the match that matters most for DR Congo’s World Cup ambitions. A result there would send shockwaves through Group K and make the Uzbekistan clash a genuine winner-takes-all battle.
The top two teams from each group advance to the Round of 32, and the eight best third-placed teams also move on.
How to Watch the World Cup 2026 in DR Congo
SuperSport carries all 104 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 across Africa, broadcasting on DStv and GOtv satellite platforms. DStv subscribers from Access tier upward get full coverage, making it the primary option for most Congolese viewers with pay-TV access. Visit supersport.com for channel listings and match schedules.
RTNC (Radio-Télévision Nationale Congolaise) is the national public broadcaster and may carry selected matches free-to-air for viewers without satellite subscriptions. Check RTNC’s schedule as the tournament approaches for confirmed coverage details.
How to Stream the World Cup 2026 in DR Congo
FIFA+ streams every match of the 2026 World Cup free worldwide. No subscription is required. The platform works on smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and browsers, making it the most accessible option for Congolese fans without a DStv package.
Access it at fifa.com/fifaplus. The SuperSport app also provides live streaming for active DStv subscribers on mobile and connected devices.
How to Listen to the World Cup 2026 in DR Congo
RTNC Radio and community stations across the country are expected to carry live commentary for DR Congo’s group matches. Kinshasa stations such as Radio Okapi and Top Congo FM are likely options for fans without satellite access.
DR Congo World Cup History & Record
DR Congo’s World Cup story rests on one appearance. In 1974, competing as Zaire, they became the first Sub-Saharan African team at a World Cup. The achievement was historic. What followed on the pitch was painful.
Zaire landed in Group 2 alongside Scotland, Yugoslavia, and Brazil. They lost all three matches, conceding 14 goals without scoring once. The 0-9 defeat to Yugoslavia is one of the heaviest in World Cup history. In the Brazil match, defender Mwepu Ilunga famously ran out of a wall and kicked away a free kick before it was taken. He said later it was a protest and he had hoped to get sent off. He got a yellow card.
| Year | Name | Stage | W | D | L | GF | GA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1974 | Zaire | Group stage | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 14 |
| 2026 | DR Congo | Group stage (current) | — | — | — | — | — |
World Cup 2026 DR Congo: Predictions and Analysis
Group K is brutal on paper. Portugal are one of the world’s top sides. Colombia qualified with authority and carry genuine attacking threat. DR Congo’s most realistic path to the Round of 32 runs through Uzbekistan, who are making their own World Cup debut. Win that match and anything becomes possible.
Desabre deploys DR Congo in a compact defensive shape with rapid transitions.
Chancel Mbemba (Lille) captains the side. The defender has 107 caps and reads the game at the highest level.
Yoane Wissa (Newcastle United) is the attacking threat, quick and direct, capable of scoring against any defence.
Cédric Bakambu (Real Betis) adds composure in the final third. With 21 international goals, he sits one away from equalling the all-time national scoring record.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham) brings defensive quality at right back, and Axel Tuanzebe (Burnley) is already a hero after netting in the 100th minute against Jamaica to clinch qualification.
DR Congo showed they grind out results under pressure. They drew 1-1 with Nigeria after extra time, then won 4-3 on penalties when substitute goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu made two saves in the shootout. That resilience gives them a chance in Group K. More context is on the Group K page.
DR Congo FIFA World Cup 2026 FAQs
What group is DR Congo in at the 2026 World Cup?
DR Congo are in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan. Their matches run from June 17 to June 27, 2026.
When is DR Congo’s first match at the 2026 World Cup?
DR Congo’s opening match is against Portugal on June 17, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET (7:00 PM CAT) at Houston Stadium.
Can I watch DR Congo for free at the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. FIFA+ streams all 104 World Cup matches free worldwide, with no subscription needed. RTNC may also carry selected matches free-to-air in DR Congo.
Who is DR Congo’s head coach at the 2026 World Cup?
Sébastien Desabre has led DR Congo since August 2022, building his coaching reputation across African football before guiding the Leopards back to the World Cup.
How did DR Congo qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
DR Congo finished second in CAF Group B with a record of 7 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses. They beat Nigeria 4-3 on penalties (1-1 after extra time) in the CAF playoff final, then defeated Jamaica 1-0 after extra time in the intercontinental playoff, with Axel Tuanzebe scoring in the 100th minute.
What is DR Congo’s best World Cup result?
DR Congo’s only previous appearance came in 1974 as Zaire. They lost all three group stage matches and finished 16th of 16 teams. The 2026 tournament is their second World Cup in history.
Do DR Congo fans need a visa to attend the 2026 World Cup in the USA?
Yes. Citizens of DR Congo are not part of the US Visa Waiver Program and must apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa. Apply well in advance through the US Embassy in Kinshasa or the nearest US consulate.
Who are DR Congo’s key players at the 2026 World Cup?
Captain Chancel Mbemba (Lille), Yoane Wissa (Newcastle United), Cédric Bakambu (Real Betis), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham), and Axel Tuanzebe (Burnley) are the players to watch.
World Cup 2026 DR Congo is a story 52 years in the making. The Leopards arrive with European-based talent, a resilient coach, and scars from a qualification campaign that tested them at every turn. Group K will not be kind, but this DR Congo side earned their place the hard way.
