The Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville) has never played at the FIFA World Cup finals. From 1930 to 1958 the country was part of France, so players from Congo could potentially have represented France.

Congo first entered qualifying in 1974, as the People's Republic of the Congo, and also took part in 1978. Since 1994, as the Republic of the Congo, they have entered every qualifying competition, but have not yet reached the finals. Their best chance came in qualifying for 1998, when a 1–0 defeat away to South Africa in their last match ended their hopes.

Congo should not be confused with their neighbours, the Democratic Republic of Congo, who played at the 1974 World Cup as Zaire and qualified for the 2026 World Cup by beating Jamaica 1–0 after extra time in an intercontinental play-off.

Quick Facts

  • World Cup appearances: 0
  • Qualifying campaigns: 11 (1974, 1978 and every edition from 1994 to 2026)
  • Overall qualifying record: played 76, won 21, drawn 17, lost 38
  • Nickname: Les Diables Rouges (The Red Devils)
  • Biggest honour: Africa Cup of Nations champions in 1972

World Cup Qualifying Record

World Cup Result P W-D-L
1930–1958 Part of France – –
1962–1966 Not a FIFA member / entry not accepted – –
1970 Did not enter – –
1974 Did not qualify 2 0-1-1
1978 Did not qualify 4 1-1-2
1982–1990 Did not enter – –
1994 Did not qualify 4 0-0-4
1998 Did not qualify 8 4-2-2
2002 Did not qualify 10 3-2-5
2006 Did not qualify 12 4-2-6
2010 Did not qualify 6 3-0-3
2014 Did not qualify 8 4-3-1
2018 Did not qualify 8 2-2-4
2022 Did not qualify 6 0-3-3
2026 Did not qualify 8 0-1-7

2026 Qualifying

Congo were drawn in CAF Group E with Morocco, Niger, Tanzania, Zambia and Eritrea, who withdrew before playing a match. It was a difficult campaign. In February 2025 FIFA suspended the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFOOT) because of third-party interference in its affairs. While the suspension was in place, Congo's matches against Tanzania and Zambia in March 2025 were awarded to their opponents as 3–0 wins. FIFA lifted the suspension on 14 May 2025, but by then Congo had no chance of qualifying. They finished bottom of the five teams that played, with one point from a 1–1 home draw with Tanzania. Morocco won the group with eight wins from eight.

Opponent Venue Result Notes
Morocco Home 0–6
Morocco Away 0–1
Niger Home 0–3
Niger Away 1–3
Tanzania Home 1–1
Tanzania Away 0–3 Awarded to Tanzania (Congo suspended)
Zambia Home 0–3 Awarded to Zambia (Congo suspended)
Zambia Away 2–4

Trivia

  • Congo won the 1972 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, their only major title. François M'Pelé, who later starred for Paris Saint-Germain, was part of that team.
  • Congo did not enter World Cup qualifying for 1970 or for the four tournaments from 1982 to 1990.

See also Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire) at the World Cup.