DR Congo secured a spot in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup by finishing as the best third-place team following a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan on June 30, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. This marks the country’s first World Cup finals appearance in 52 years [2]. The team will face England in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 2, 2026 [1, 3].
The squad, led by coach Sebastien Desabre, has been on a four-year project and is one of Africa’s longest-serving coaching staffs [1, 3]. Desabre said, "We had to work hard to convince and try and present our project." He praised his players, saying, "I’m so lucky to have so many excellent players but who are also excellent people, ready to give everything for Congo, and that was important" [1].
DR Congo’s recent history includes reaching the semi-finals of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations under Desabre, and a narrow round of 16 exit in the 2026 AFCON after conceding a late goal to Algeria [1, 3]. Their World Cup qualifying campaign was challenging, highlighted by a 3-2 home loss to Senegal in September 2025 that sparked a stadium riot in Kinshasa [1, 3]. They advanced through playoffs later that year by defeating Cameroon and Nigeria in Morocco [1, 3].
Key player Yoane Wissa scored twice in the win against Uzbekistan and has spoken about the team's motivation amid conflict in their home country. "We deserve to play England. We have worked hard for this. You know, it’s not easy in our country. There is war in eastern Congo. Every time we wear this shirt, we think about them," Wissa said [2].
DR Congo is a vast nation spanning 905,355 square miles with a population of about 116 million. The country faces ongoing regional conflicts, notably in the North and South Kivu provinces [2].
The team’s next match is against England at the 2026 World Cup round of 32 stage in Atlanta on July 2 [1, 3].
