Cedric Bakambu
Congo DRForwardBetisCedric Bakambu goes into World Cup 2026 as a proven attacking option for Congo DR. He brings 67 caps and 21 goals into the tournament. Betis provides his recent club rhythm before the tournament. The focus is runs behind defenders, penalty-area timing and pressure after turnovers.
Group K
Jun 17, 2026vs Portugal - 12:00 PM CDT
Quick Facts
Cedric Bakambu and Congo DR World Cup 2026 Squad
Congo DR selected Cedric Bakambu for World Cup 2026 with a clear football task. As a forward, he can stretch the back line, attack cutbacks and press the first pass after possession is lost.
Bakambu is part of a group of 5 forwards, so the opponent and match state can affect his minutes.
International Record
Cedric Bakambu brings 67 caps and 21 goals into the tournament.
Bakambu's senior international timeline dates back to 2015, which gives the record more weight than a simple squad listing.
International Record
- International record: Cedric Bakambu enters the tournament with 67 caps and 21 goals for Congo DR.
- World Cup 2026 role: Congo DR list Cedric Bakambu as a forward, with minutes linked to form, workload and game state.
- Group opponents: Congo DR face Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan in the group stage.
Playing Style and Strengths
Bakambu's World Cup value starts with runs behind defenders, penalty-area timing and pressure after turnovers.
Bakambu has to decide quickly: attack the box, combine first time or keep the move alive.
- Clinical finishing
- Penalty-area movement
- Near-post runs
- Pressing angles
- Center-back duels
- Rebound reactions
World Cup 2026 Fixtures
Congo DR start against Portugal on 17 June 2026 in Houston. For Bakambu, the first match is a direct test of match rhythm and role clarity.
Colombia follow on 23 June 2026 in Guadalajara. For Bakambu, the second fixture can quickly change the selection picture if the opener leaves Congo DR chasing points or protecting workload.
| Kickoff | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 17, 202612:00 PM CDT | Portugal | Houston Stadium, Houston |
| Jun 23, 20268:00 PM CST |  Colombia | Guadalajara Stadium, Guadalajara |
| Jun 27, 20267:30 PM EDT |  Uzbekistan | Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta |
Dates and kickoff times above are shown in the venue timezone.
Recent Form
Cedric Bakambu played 18 LaLiga matches for Betis in 2025/26, scoring 3 goals and providing 1 assist.
Congo DR will read form through actions that show in matches, not reputation alone. Training sharpness, recovery and the scoreline can still decide Bakambu's minutes.
Career Stats
Cedric Bakambu brings 67 caps and 21 goals into the tournament.
For Congo DR, the numbers guide the selection picture, but they do not replace match readiness. The opener still has to fit Bakambu's form and the opponent's plan.
| Field | Verified value |
|---|---|
| Team | Congo DR |
| Position | Forward |
| Club | Betis |
| Caps | 67 |
| Goals | 21 |
| Born | 11 April 1991 |
World Cup 2026 Role
Cedric Bakambu enters World Cup 2026 with Congo DR as a forward. The senior record stands at 67 caps and 21 goals. Match role, form and group-stage needs will shape his minutes.
Congo DR will judge him through training rhythm before the tournament. The useful signs are movement, finishing and pressing from the front.
Congo DR start against Portugal on Jun 17, 2026 in Houston. Colombia and Uzbekistan come next in the group. The match order can affect workload and selection.
FAQ
Is Cedric Bakambu in the Congo DR World Cup 2026 squad?
Yes. Cedric Bakambu is in Congo DR's World Cup 2026 squad in the checked player data.
What position does Cedric Bakambu play?
He is listed as a forward for Congo DR.
How many international caps and goals does Cedric Bakambu have?
He enters World Cup 2026 with 67 caps and 21 goals for Congo DR.
Who are Congo DR's World Cup 2026 group opponents?
Congo DR face Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan in the group stage.
When is Cedric Bakambu's first World Cup 2026 match?
Congo DR start against Portugal on 17 June 2026 in Houston.
What is Cedric Bakambu's latest club form?
He plays for Betis in the checked player facts.
More Congo DR World Cup 2026 Player Profiles
Explore more Congo DR squad profiles, including teammates who can share minutes, supply service or affect the same match plan.
Group K Table
| # | Team | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colombia | 3 | 3 | 7 |
| 2 | Portugal | 3 | 5 | 5 |
| 3 | Congo DR | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| 4 | Uzbekistan | 3 | -9 | 0 |