DR Congo

Profile

Fifty-two years after Zaire became sub-Saharan Africa's first ever World Cup team in 1974 — where they famously conceded a nine-goal aggregate across three matches — DR Congo are back, and in an entirely different form. Under Sébastien Desabre they have built a competitive, well-organised side that came through the intercontinental play-offs with impressive performances. The Leopards' rise has electrified one of Africa's largest and most passionate football nations, a country of over 100 million people where the sport is a genuine obsession. Yoane Wissa has been one of Newcastle United's most dynamic performers, bringing Premier League goals and energy. Cédric Bakambu provides the experience and finishing quality of a man who has scored in La Liga and the Chinese Super League. Chancel Mbemba adds Ligue 1 defensive solidity. DR Congo dream of becoming the first sub-Saharan African nation to win a knockout round match — an ambition that feels achievable against Uzbekistan in Group K.

DR Congo fixtures

Players to watch

• Yoane Wissa

  Forward · Newcastle United

  One of the Premier League's most dynamic and unpredictable forwards, Wissa has scored important goals for Newcastle in Europe and domestically with a combination of pace, technique and fearlessness. His ability to drift across the forward line, run in behind defences and score from long range makes him DR Congo's most dangerous and exciting attacking threat.

• Cédric Bakambu

  Forward · Real Betis

  DR Congo's most experienced international forward, Bakambu has scored in the Premier League, La Liga and Champions League across a well-travelled European career. His finishing quality, movement inside the penalty area and experience of playing against elite defences give DR Congo a reliable focal point and a player capable of scoring important goals at World Cup level.

• Chancel Mbemba

  Defender · LOSC Lille

  A combative, experienced centre-back who has played in the Premier League and established himself in Ligue 1 with Lille, Mbemba brings physical defensive qualities and competitive experience. His aerial dominance, strength in the tackle and leadership at the back give DR Congo the defensive platform to be competitive against opponents at this level.

Group K table