Next, our Fantasy FIFA World Cup 2026 team preview series focuses on DR Congo.
The Leopards head to the 2026 World Cup carrying one of the stories of the tournament.
They are back on football’s biggest stage for the first time in 52 years after surviving a brutal qualification route that included victories over Cameroon, Nigeria and Jamaica across the African and intercontinental play-offs.
In these country-by-country guides, we’ll be looking at the best players from each nation, reviewing the road to the World Cup and more.
- READ MORE: Fantasy FIFA World Cup 2026 team previews: Cote d’Ivoire
- READ MORE: Fantasy FIFA World Cup 2026 team previews: Japan
- READ MORE: Fantasy FIFA World Cup 2026: Best $6.0m-to-$7.4m midfielders
SQUAD
*Rocky Bushiri withdrew and was replaced by Aaron Tshibola
The squad is full of talent developed across Europe, with key players starring in England, France and Spain. This is arguably the strongest Leopards squad in decades.
THE ROAD TO QUALIFICATION
*Note: The 4-1 away win at South Sudan and the play-off match against Jamaica are not listed here
DR Congo came through one of the toughest qualification routes on the road to the 2026 World Cup. The Leopards finished second in their CAF qualifying group after a strong campaign, grinding out results rather than dominating proceedings.
As a result, they advanced into the African and intercontinental play-offs, booking a historic return to the World Cup with an extra-time victory over Jamaica.
In nine of their 13 group-stage and play-off games, they scored one goal or fewer. On the flip side, only once – against Senegal – did they concede more than one goal.
However, the underlying data raises more than a few concerns:
Above: African teams sorted by xG/xG conceded per 90 minutes in qualifying (excludes DR Congo’s play-off game against Jamaica)
BIGGEST GOAL THREATS IN QUALIFICATION
DR Congo did not score a huge amount of goals during qualifying, but in-game midfielder Théo Bongonda ($6.2m) still topped the charts with three. He also led his attacking teammates for xG, which further highlights his importance in the final third.
Three players also scored twice during qualifying. That included forwards Meschack Elia ($4.9m), Cédric Bakambu ($6.5m), and a familiar name for Premier League fans, Yoane Wissa ($6.2m). All three also produced either double-digit shots or came very close to it.
MOST CREATIVE PLAYERS IN QUALIFYING
Of all DR Congo players, Wissa was the only one to produce two assists during qualifying. He also registered five key passes. However, four of his attacking teammates bettered that total.
Leading the squad for key passes was Elia with eight. Bongonda followed closely behind with seven.
One player we are yet to highlight is full-back Arthur Masuaku ($4.2m). He also produced seven key passes, with his set-piece duties helping boost those numbers.
SINCE QUALIFICATION
AFCON
| Date | Opposition | Result | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23/12/25 | Benin | 1-0 (W) | Bongonda | Masuaka |
| 27/12/25 | Senegal | 1-1 (D) | Bakambu | – |
| 30/12/25 | Botswana | 3-0 (W) | Mbuku, Kakuta x2 | Kakuta |
| 06/01/26 | Algeria | 1-0 (L) | – | – |
DR Congo endured a disappointing AFCON campaign recently. They beat Botswana and Benin, which most expected them to do, and also picked up a draw against eventual finalists Senegal. However, they then fell short against an average Algeria side after extra time.
They also played the tournament without key attacker Wissa, who was recovering from injury at the time. With him available, things could have looked very different for the Leopards.
FRIENDLIES
| Date | Opposition | Result | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/6/26 | Denmark | 0-0 (D) | – | – |
| 9/6/26 | Chile | 1-2 (L) | Kayembe | Cipenga |
The two recent friendlies played out in a similar manner to qualification, with not a great deal of chances at either end.
Across the two kickabouts, they only created one big chance – but they only conceded one, too.
WORLD CUP FIXTURES
If DR Congo’s mixed form was not enough to put you off their assets, then the fixtures might.
They open the tournament against one of the favourites in Portugal before then facing Colombia, a side many continue to label as dark horses. A tough start.
DR Congo are far more likely to find success against Uzbekistan in round three. That could be the ideal time for managers to target their players.
TOP PICKS
DR Congo were not among the strongest African sides from an attacking perspective. However, their recent matches against Senegal showed they can still produce real quality in the final third when needed.
If the Leopards are going to score goals, then Yoane Wissa ($6.2m) will likely play a huge role. He can be talismanic for DR Congo, contributes to set-pieces, including penalties, and carries a consistent attacking threat. That makes him arguably their best option in attack.
Although DR Congo could struggle to keep clean sheets in the opening two rounds, their recently introduced back-three system may still give them a fighting chance. They also face Uzbekistan in round three, which looks like their best opportunity to secure a shutout.
Regardless of the fixtures, Arthur Masuaku ($4.2m) offers more than just clean sheet potential. His set-piece duties give him multiple routes to points and add another layer to his appeal. He also comes in at a cheap price.
Joris Kayembe ($3.9m) is waiting in the wings, it should be said (and got the nod against Chile), so centre-backs Axel Tuanzebe ($4.0m) and Chancel Mbemba (£4.2m) might be the safer bets.
One to monitor as we approach Round 3.
