The Leopards last appeared in the World Cup once, in 1974, playing as Zaire, where they were the first Sub-Saharan African team to qualify. They finished last in their group after losing all three matches.
Under French coach Sebastien Desabre, DR Congo ended their 52-year World Cup drought. The team navigated a rigorous qualification path, securing their spot via the FIFA Inter-confederation Playoff Tournament with a narrow margin.
DR Congo qualified by defeating Jamaica 1-0 in the inter-confederation play-offs. To reach that stage, they finished second in their CAF qualifying group, eliminated Cameroon and Nigeria in the African play-offs, and secured their spot in the final expanded 48-team tournament.
DR Congo will head into the 2026 World Cup carrying not only the hopes of one of Africa’s most passionate football nations, but also the growing belief that this team can do far more than merely participate.
Drawn in a difficult Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan, the Leopards face a demanding challenge on paper.
However, according to the 28-year-old Kalulu, who plays for Cypriot club Aris Limassol, the Leopards will head into the global competition knowing they have a strong squad capable of fighting for “our blood, and our roots.”
DR Congo will not be nervous
“It doesn’t matter who we’re up against. It’s the World Cup, so we’re bound to come up against some big names,” Kalulu told FIFA.com.
“We’re there because we’ve got what it takes. We'll have to look them in the eye, without being afraid or nervous.”
Kalulu added: “It’s the biggest competition of all, the one we’ve been watching on TV since we were little. We’re going to play for our blood, our roots – it’s incredible.
“It’s an extraordinary country, a country with a population of 100 million. 100 million people! I don’t think people even realise. It’s been 52 years – more than half a century – since the Congolese last experienced the excitement of the World Cup!”
On playing against Colombia, Kalulu said: “We shouldn't necessarily rank them below Portugal. Those two matches won’t be any easier than the first one.
“In any case, we know we’re not going to the World Cup with a team that’s a cut above the rest and will steamroller everyone.”
DR Congo to face Portugal in opener
Kalulu could start in DR Congo's defence line alongside Chancel Mbemba, Cedric Bakambu, with the team having conceded just one goal in their last five qualifying matches.
“When we’re in the right frame of mind, it’s tough to beat us. We have a disciplined team that knows how to be patient,” offered Kalulu.
“We’ve shown that we’re capable of sitting back, letting the opposition have the ball, and causing them problems when we win it back by surging forward quickly and in numbers.”
On what he wants to offer the team if he gets the nod to start, Kalulu said: “I’m here to play to my strengths, without trying to be someone I’m not, and my strengths right now are my ability to drive down the wing, to run hard and to wear down my direct opponent.
“I’ll try to bring my positive attitude, but also my fighting spirit and determination. I hope to give it my all if and when the coach calls on me. I don’t have any other goals for this World Cup.”
He concluded: “I had a chat with my three brothers and my sister after the list was announced. We realised something big was about to happen. Our surname will be known as far afield as the United States.”
The Leopards will face Portugal on June 17th in their first match – a tough opener against a team considered one of the leading contenders to win the tournament.