Teams · Group K
Congo DR
Léopards
DR Congo, who appeared at the World Cup in 1974 as Zaire, return to the finals after a long absence. A populous footballing nation, they have produced a wave of talent across Europe's leagues.
Congo DR’s group path
Congo DR starts in Group K with Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan. They enter the group as the #3 team by MatchupSim power rating, which makes the finishing position especially important: first place, second place and a possible third-place route can each send them into a very different round-of-32 matchup.
Key facts
- Confederation
- Africa (CAF)
- Group
- Group K · power-ranked #3 of 4
- World Cup titles
- 0
- Best finish
- Quarterfinals as Zaire-era / Group stage (1974)
- Qualified via
- CAF qualifying
- Power rating (PWR)
- 69 · Elo 1690
- Manager
- Sébastien Desabre
Players to watch
- Chancel Mbemba — Captain, defender (Lille)
- Yoane Wissa — Winger (Newcastle)
- Cédric Bakambu — Striker (Real Betis)
Group K opponents
Group-stage fixtures
- Wed, Jun 17
PortugalHouston, USA - Wed, Jun 24
ColombiaGuadalajara, Mexico - Sat, Jun 27
UzbekistanAtlanta, USA
2026 outlook
The Leopards arrive in Group K eager to make up for lost time and reach the knockout stage for the first time.
Prediction angles to test
Start with a favorites run, then test one aggressive version where Congo DR wins Group K and one conservative version where they finish lower in the table. Comparing those paths shows whether their best chance comes from group control, a softer runner-up route, or surviving as one of the best third-place teams.
Simulate Congo DR’s World Cup
Think Congo DR can go all the way — or crash out early? Set their Group K finish in the simulator and watch the bracket re-wire around your call, or build a full prediction all the way to the final.