The Democratic Republic of Congo has officially unveiled its squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the Leopards prepare for their long-awaited return to football’s biggest stage for the first time since 1974.
Head coach Sébastien Desabre named a strong and balanced squad filled with experienced European-based stars, exciting attacking talent, and a blend of youthful energy ahead of the tournament set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Drawn in a difficult Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan, DR Congo will be aiming to prove they belong among the world’s elite and possibly emerge as one of the tournament’s surprise packages.
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DR Congo unveil squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup
The squad announcement has already sparked excitement among Congolese supporters, with many believing this generation has what it takes to make history.
Desabre has largely trusted players who have been part of the team’s recent rise, while also rewarding consistent performers in Europe and Africa.
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One of the biggest talking points is the inclusion of experienced leaders such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, and Yoane Wissa, players expected to play a crucial role both on and off the pitch.
Wan-Bissaka’s defensive quality and Premier League experience will be key against some of the world’s top attackers, while Mbemba is expected to marshal the backline with authority.
In midfield, the Leopards possess creativity and technical ability through the likes of Gaël Kakuta, Théo Bongonda, Edo Kayembe, and Noah Sadiki. Their ability to control possession and launch quick transitions could be vital against stronger opposition in the group.
DR Congo also heads into the tournament with a dangerous attacking unit. Yoane Wissa is back in the squad having missed the play offs and brings with him lots of experience from the English premier league, while Cédric Bakambu and Simon Banza provide proven goal-scoring pedigree.
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African-based striker Fiston Mayele also earned a deserved call-up after his excellent performances for Egyptian giants Pyramids FC, making him the only player in the squad currently playing club football in Africa.
Interestingly, no player from the Congolese domestic league made the final squad, highlighting the increasing reliance on overseas-based talent as the Leopards seek to compete at the highest level.
DR Congo 2026 FIFA World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers
- Timothy Fayulu — FC Noah
- Lionel Mpasi — Le Havre
- Mike Epolo — Standard de Liège
Defenders
- Aaron Wan-Bissaka — West Ham United
- Gédéon Kalulu — Limassol
- Joris Kayembe — Genk
- Arthur Masuaku — Lens
- Steve Kapuadi — Widzew Łódź
- Rocky Bushiri — Hibernian
- Axel Tuanzebe — Burnley
- Chancel Mbemba — Lille
- Dylan Batubinsika — Larissa
Midfielders
- Noah Sadiki — Sunderland
- Samuel Moutoussamy — Atromitos
- Edo Kayembe — Watford
- Nathan Mukau — Lille
- Charles Pickel — Espanyol
- Ngal’ayel Mukau Mbuku — Montpellier
- B. Cipenga — Castellón
- Théo Bongonda — Spartak Moscow
- Gaël Kakuta — AEL
Forwards
- Meschack Elia — Alanyaspor
- Fiston Mayele — Pyramids FC
- Cédric Bakambu — Real Betis
- Simon Banza — Al Jazira
- Yoane Wissa — Newcastle United