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🏆 World Cup 2026 · Group K

Congo DR

Technical attacking football with creative flair and offensive ambition.

📋 Tournament Brief

Congo DR are known for an attacking, entertaining brand of football that emphasises technical skill and creative flair in the final third. The nation has a strong footballing culture within Central Africa, with a passionate fanbase that values offensive, expressive play. Their domestic league has produced generations of skilful players, and they remain a fixture of African Cup of Nations competition, where they have competed consistently in recent decades.

Qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 represents a significant milestone for Congolese football. The journey through the qualifying rounds reflects the team's growth and development within the African confederation, marking their place among the continent's competitive sides. Reaching this tournament stage underscores the ambitions of a nation with deep roots in African football and a squad built on talent developed both domestically and across Europe's leagues.

Group K presents a challenging draw. Alongside Portugal—a seasoned European side—and Colombia, a technically gifted South American team with World Cup pedigree, Congo DR face opponents of considerable experience. Uzbekistan, representing Asian football, rounds out a group of contrasting styles and continental strengths. Congo DR enter as outsiders in a competitive pool, but their attacking football and technical quality offer them opportunities to make an impact against any opponent on the world stage.

Editorial preview · pre-tournament context · edited

👥 Squad & Manager updated 18 May

S. Desabre
Head Coach
S. Desabre
France · age 49
Predicted XI
4-3-3
Predicted starting XI · published closer to kickoff
GK
DEF
DEF
DEF
DEF
MID
MID
MID
FWD
FWD
FWD
Goalkeepers · 3
1 L. Mpasi
L. Mpasi
age 31
16 T. Fayulu
T. Fayulu
age 26
21 M. Epolo
M. Epolo
age 20
Defenders · 8
2 A. Wan-Bissaka
A. Wan-Bissaka
age 28
3 S. Kapuadi
S. Kapuadi
age 27
4 A. Tuanzebe
A. Tuanzebe
age 28
5 D. Batubinsika
D. Batubinsika
age 29
11 A. Masuaku
A. Masuaku
age 32
12 J. Kayembe
J. Kayembe
age 31
15 R. Bushiri
R. Bushiri
age 26
22 C. Mbemba
C. Mbemba
age 31
Midfielders · 6
5 E. Kayembe
E. Kayembe
age 27
6 N. Mukau
N. Mukau
age 21
8 S. Moutoussamy
S. Moutoussamy
age 29
9 B. Cipenga
B. Cipenga
age 27
14 N. Sadiki
N. Sadiki
age 21
18 C. Pickel
C. Pickel
age 28
Attackers · 7
7 N. Mbuku
N. Mbuku
age 23
10 T. Bongonda
T. Bongonda
age 30
13 M. Elia
M. Elia
age 28
17 C. Bakambu
C. Bakambu
age 34
19 F. Mayele
F. Mayele
age 31
20 Y. Wissa
Y. Wissa
age 29
23 S. Banza
S. Banza
age 29
Squad data via API-Football · subject to change ahead of tournament

📅 Group K Fixtures Congo DR · 3 matches

Congo DR's group-stage fixtures will appear here as match details are confirmed. They play three Group K matches across the opening 12 days of the tournament.

🤝 Group K Rivals