Congo has never played in the World Cup finals, though from 1930 to 1958, the country was part of France and potentially players from Congo could have represented France.

In 1974 and 1978, as the People's Republic of the Congo, they participated in qualifications. Since 1994, as the Republic of the Congo, they have participated in qualifications, though as yet have not reached the finals stage.

In 2025, Congo was suspended by FIFA due to involvement of undue third-party interference in the affairs of the Congolese Football Association. This suspension was lifted in May 2025, allowing the team to participate in the 2026 qualification campaign. Congo have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, after defeating Jamaica in the qualification round.

1974

Congo played at the FIFA World Cup finals for the first time in 1974. The team didn't qualify out of the group stage of the competition.

2026

Congo have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They are in Group K and will play against top teams like Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan.

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