DR Congo at World Cup 2026: Group K Fan Travel Guide (First Since 1974)
DR Congo return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974 in Group K: vs Portugal in Houston (June 17), vs Colombia in Guadalajara (June 23), and vs Uzbekistan in Atlanta (June 27, 2026). Fan travel plan and eSIM tips for the Leopards.
Published June 10, 2026·5 min read
Summary
DR Congo return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974 in Group K: vs Portugal at NRG Stadium in Houston (June 17), vs Colombia at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara (June 23), and vs Uzbekistan at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta (June 27, 2026). Ranked 56th by FIFA, the Leopards won the inter-confederation playoff to reach their first finals in 52 years. Here's the fan plan — fixtures, US–Mexico logistics, and the eSIM that covers every stop across the border.
DR Congo's Group K fixtures
| Date | Match | Venue | City |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 17 | Portugal vs DR Congo | NRG Stadium | Houston, USA |
| June 23 | Colombia vs DR Congo | Estadio Akron | Guadalajara, Mexico |
| June 27 | DR Congo vs Uzbekistan | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Atlanta, USA |
Per the Sky Sports Group K guide, DR Congo open against Ronaldo's Portugal in Houston, then face Colombia in Guadalajara before the Atlanta finale against fellow outsiders Uzbekistan — likely the match that decides the Leopards' knockout hopes on their first World Cup appearance in 52 years.
City-by-city logistics
Houston (June 17): NRG Stadium is on the METRORail Red Line, south of downtown. See our Houston getting-there guide and where to eat and stay.
Guadalajara (June 23): Estadio Akron sits in Zapopan, west of the city; our Guadalajara transit guide covers the route. Atlanta (June 27):Mercedes-Benz Stadium is downtown by the MARTA GWCC/CNN Center and Vine City stations — see our Atlanta getting-there guide. This route crosses the US–Mexico border twice, so build in time for both crossings.
eSIM vs roaming vs pocket Wi-Fi for DR Congo fans
DR Congo's group route crosses the US–Mexico border twice — Houston to Guadalajara and back to Atlanta. A single North America eSIM covers both countries, so you keep the same number and data the whole way without buying a Mexican or US SIM on arrival.
| Option | Cost | Setup time | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| eSIM | Low (US$3–25) | ~5 min (pre-install on Wi-Fi) | Excellent (local carrier) |
| Carrier roaming | High ($10–15/day) | Instant (already enabled) | Medium (partner-dependent) |
| Pocket Wi-Fi | Medium | Airport pickup / rental | Good (extra device to charge) |
FAQ
QWhen and where does DR Congo play in the World Cup 2026 group stage?
ADR Congo play three Group K matches across two countries: vs Portugal at NRG Stadium (Houston) on June 17, vs Colombia at Estadio Akron (Guadalajara) on June 23, and vs Uzbekistan at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta) on June 27, 2026. Two games in the USA, one in Mexico.
QWhen did DR Congo last play at a World Cup?
ADR Congo's only previous World Cup was in 1974, when they competed as Zaire — making World Cup 2026 their first appearance in 52 years. They qualified by winning the CAF inter-confederation playoff path in March 2026.
QDo DR Congo fans cross the US–Mexico border during the group stage?
AYes. DR Congo open in Houston, cross into Mexico for the Guadalajara match, then return to the USA for Atlanta — so fans following all three games cross the US–Mexico border twice between June 17 and June 27, 2026. Check entry requirements for both countries in advance.
QWhat eSIM works best for DR Congo fans at World Cup 2026?
ABecause DR Congo's group games span the USA and Mexico, a single North America eSIM covers Houston, Guadalajara, and Atlanta without swapping SIMs at the border. Plans start around US$3 and install before you fly.
Bottom line
DR Congo's return after 52 years sends the Leopards on a Houston–Guadalajara–Atlanta loop that crosses the border twice. Pair the itinerary with a North America eSIM for maps, rideshare, and ticket QR codes on both sides of the border. See the full Group K preview for the other fixtures.
Sources: Sky Sports — Group K Guide, Wikipedia — Group K, FIFA — Standings.