The Leopards — African football's sleeping giant, finally awake.
Long-serving Congo DR captain with top-flight experience in France, Belgium, and England.
Experienced striker with goalscoring careers across Spain, China, and France.
Premier League winger and one of the most recognisable Leopards of the modern era.
Player information reflects historical significance, not current squad selection.
Playing as Zaire in 1974, Congo DR became the first sub-Saharan African nation to qualify for a World Cup, a landmark moment in the global expansion of the tournament.
2026 ends a 52-year absence from the World Cup. The Leopards have not appeared at the tournament since their 1974 debut as Zaire.
The Leopards are two-time African champions (1968 and 1974), a continental tradition that has long made them one of African football's historic giants.
Congo DR's only previous World Cup appearance was in 1974 as Zaire, when they became the first sub-Saharan African nation to qualify. Their 2026 qualification ends a 52-year absence.
Playing as Zaire, Congo DR appeared at the 1974 World Cup in West Germany, becoming the first sub-Saharan African nation to qualify for the tournament.
Zaire won the 1974 Africa Cup of Nations, their second continental title in six years and the high point of one of African football's most successful generations.
Team information is based on historical records and official FIFA data. Player information reflects historical significance, not current squad selection. Facts are reviewed for accuracy but may not reflect the most recent competition results.
FIFA 2026 World Cup teams →