PARIS More than half a century since their last appearance on football’s grandest stage, the Leopards are officially back. Head coach Sébastien Desabre has announced the historic 26-man DR Congo World Cup 2026 squad ahead of the highly anticipated tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the USA.
The central African nation punched its ticket to North America following a dramatic qualifying campaign that culminated in a nervy, hard-fought 1-0 victory over Jamaica in the FIFA Play-Off Tournament final back in March. This marks the Leopards’ first World Cup berth since 1974, when they competed under the name Zaire.
Reflecting on the emotional journey, a proud Desabre emphasized the immense psychological growth and focus within his camp:
“It has not been simple, but we showed resilience to reach our goal. We are proud to be going to the World Cup. There’s also a strong sense of responsibility to make a good showing of ourselves and of our country… We will give our all to make everybody proud.”
— Sébastien Desabre, DR Congo Head Coach
Tactical Continuity: No Room for Experiments
Desabre has opted for strong squad continuity, leaning heavily on the battle-tested core that earned their World Cup spots in Mexico a month and a half ago. Believing that the tournament is “no forum for experimenting or development,” the French tactician has reinforced the tactical foundation built over his four-year project.
The roster is anchored by legendary captain and absolute defensive leader Chancel Mbemba, alongside star forward Cédric Bakambu and the prolific Fiston Mayele.
Crucial Returns and Premier League Firepower
While continuity is the theme, the squad features some highly notable storylines:
- The Veteran Recall: Former Chelsea prodigy Gaël Kakuta makes a headline-grabbing return. Despite not playing in the African qualifiers or wearing the national team shirt since 2024 (outside of two AFCON appearances), his creative spark has been trusted for the big stage.
- Defying the Odds: Defender Gédéon Kalulu secures his spot on the plane after making a remarkable recovery from a major knee injury.
- English Top-Flight Steel: The squad boasts formidable Premier League experience with West Ham’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Burnley’s Axel Tuanzebe, and Newcastle United’s dangerous frontman Yoane Wissa all named to the final list.
Official DR Congo 26-Man World Cup Squad List
Note: All squads are provisional until finalized and published by FIFA on June 2, 2026.
Goalkeepers
- Lionel Mpasi
- Timothy Fayulu
- Matthieu Epolo
Defenders
- Chancel Mbemba (Captain)
- Aaron Wan-Bissaka
- Axel Tuanzebe
- Arthur Masuaku
- Joris Kayembe
- Steve Kapuadi
- Rocky Bushiri
- Dylan Batubinsika
- Gédéon Kalulu
Midfielders
- Noah Sadiki
- Samuel Moutoussamy
- Edo Kayembe
- Ngal’ayel Mukau
- Charles Pickel
- Nathanael Mbuku
- Brian Cipenga
- Meschack Elia
- Gaël Kakuta
Forwards
- Theo Bongonda
- Fiston Mayele
- Cedric Bakambu
- Simon Banza
- Yoane Wissa
DR Congo FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Schedule
Drawn into a highly competitive Group K, the Leopards face a challenging but historic road through the group phase. Desabre remains supremely confident, noting that advancing past the first phase is “well within our capacity.”
- June 17: Portugal vs. DR Congo – Houston Stadium (Houston, TX)
- June 23: Colombia vs. DR Congo – Guadalajara Stadium (Guadalajara, MX)
- June 27: DR Congo vs. Uzbekistan – Atlanta Stadium (Atlanta, GA)
Can the reborn African giants rewrite history 52 years after their lone, difficult tournament appearance? With a balanced blend of European-based stars and fierce tactical resilience, DR Congo is primed to shock the world.
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