DR Congo's national team, the Leopards, will rely on two Sunderland players, Noah Sadiki and Arthur Masuaku, for their long-awaited return to the World Cup after 52 years. The English club's official website, SAFC.com, published an article on Tuesday detailing its 12 internationals at the tournament, spotlighting the two Congolese stars.
Who are the Sunderland players with DR Congo?
Arthur Masuaku, a 32-year-old defender, is a stalwart of the national side with 44 caps. He spent the second half of the 2025-26 season on loan at French Ligue 1 side RC Lens, an experience that should prepare him for top-level attackers. His role in the Leopard's defense will be key against opponents like Portugal and Colombia. His teammate, Noah Sadiki, is a 21-year-old midfielder who already has 19 international appearances. His youth and energy could add a dynamic element to Congo's midfield. Their presence is a major asset for a team that had to navigate a playoff, beating Jamaica, to qualify.
What is DR Congo's group stage schedule?
DR Congo was drawn into Group K, one of the competition's toughest pools. Their first match is on June 17 at 6:00 PM against Portugal at Houston's NRG Stadium. It's a monumental challenge for their first appearance under the name DR Congo, their last being in 1974 as Zaire. The second game is on June 24 at 3:00 AM against Colombia at the Estadio Guadalajara in Mexico. Finally, the Leopards will face Uzbekistan on June 28 at 12:30 AM at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium. You can track the full schedule on our fixtures page.
What are the knockout round prospects?
The clear objective for the Leopards is to advance from the group stage. The scenarios are already mapped out. If DR Congo wins Group K, they will face a third-place finisher from another group in the round of 16. A second-place finish would set up a clash with the runner-up from Group L, which contains England, Croatia, Ghana, and Panama. The full DR Congo squad details are available on our squad page.
Why is this World Cup appearance historic?
The 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marks a long-awaited return for Congolese football. Fifty-two years have passed since their last appearance. The qualifying journey, sealed with a playoff victory, galvanized the nation. The blend of young talents like Sadiki with experienced campaigners like Masuaku symbolizes this renewal. The team's performance data can be explored in depth on our stats section.
The task is daunting, but the Leopards enter this tournament with the ambition to cause an upset. The matches against Portugal and Colombia will be major tests, but the encounter with Uzbekistan could be decisive for their qualification hopes. The entire Congolese nation will be watching this North American adventure closely.
