DR Congo Name 2026 World Cup Squad as Desabre Backs Experienced Leopards
DR Congo coach Sébastien Desabre has named a 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, opting for experience and continuity as the Leopards prepare for their first World Cup appearance in 52 years.
Desabre had already signalled that there would be few surprises, and the final selection reflected that approach. The squad is largely unchanged from the group that reached the Round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with no new players introduced.
A Historic Return
DR Congo last appeared at the World Cup in 1974, when the nation competed under the name Zaire and became the first sub-Saharan African country ever to qualify for the tournament. Now, more than half a century later, a new generation of Leopards has the chance to make its own mark.
Qualification was sealed in dramatic fashion. A header from defender Axel Tuanzebe in the 100th minute of a play-off match against Jamaica in Guadalajara confirmed DR Congo’s place in the 48-team field. Thousands of supporters celebrated on the rain-soaked streets of Kinshasa. The Leopards were the very last side to complete the 2026 World Cup roster.
They have been drawn in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan. Their campaign begins on 17 June against Portugal in Houston.
Desabre Backs Continuity
The French coach has built a settled group over recent international competitions and the final squad shows that commitment to continuity. No new faces were brought in.
Playmaker Gaël Kakuta returns after missing the March international window, having previously featured at the AFCON. Defender Gédéon Kalulu is also back after recovering from injury, and forward Yoane Wissa returns to the squad after missing the Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
Wissa replaces Samuel Essende in one of the few changes Desabre made. The Newcastle winger was part of the squad during DR Congo’s 1-0 extra-time victory over Jamaica in the intercontinental play-off in March.
Key Players to Watch
Captain Chancel Mbemba leads the squad from defence, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka of West Ham United and Axel Tuanzebe of Burnley also named among the defenders.
In midfield, Noah Sadiki, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe and Charles Pickel are included, while Kakuta provides creativity further forward.
Up front, Cédric Bakambu, Simon Banza, Fiston Mayele and Yoane Wissa make up the attacking options available to Desabre.
The Mokio Question
One talking point following the squad announcement was the absence of Ajax midfielder Jorthy Mokio. The former Belgian youth international had recently committed his international future to DR Congo, and many supporters hoped he would be included for the World Cup.
Desabre explained, however, that Mokio is not yet eligible to play. Despite the omission, the coach used the situation to highlight growing interest in the Leopards.
“We are seeing that the team is becoming increasingly attractive; we even have players who are willing to wait three years to join us,” Desabre said in a video published by the Congolese Football Federation.
Friendly Fixtures Before the Tournament
Before their World Cup campaign begins, DR Congo are scheduled to play two warm-up matches. They face Denmark on 3 June in Liège and then travel to Marbella to face Chile on 9 June.
Both fixtures will give Desabre the chance to finalise his preparations before the Leopards face Portugal in their Group K opener on 17 June in Houston.
DR Congo 2026 World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers: Timothy Fayulu, Lionel Mpasi, Mike Epolo
Goalkeepers: Timothy Fayulu (FC Noah), Lionel Mpasi (Le Havre), Mike Epolo (Standard Liege)
Defenders: Chancel Mbemba (Lille), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham United), Axel Tuanzebe (Burnley), Arthur Masuaku (Lens), Gédéon Kalulu (AEL Limassol), Joris Kayembe (Genk), Steve Kapuadi (Widzew Lodz), Rocky Bushiri (Hibernian), Dylan Batubinsika (Larissa)
Midfielders: Noah Sadiki (Sunderland), Samuel Moutoussamy (Atromitos), Edo Kayembe (Watford), Ngal’ayel Mukau (Lille), Charles Pickel (Espanyol), Nathanael Mbuku (Montpellier), Brian Cipenga (Castellon), Theo Bongonda (Spartak Moscow), Gael Kakuta (Larissa)
Forwards: Meschack Elia (Alanyaspor), Fiston Mayele (Pyramids), Cedric Bakambu (Real Betis), Simon Banza (Al Jazira), Yoane Wissa (Newcastle United)
FAQ
When do DR Congo play at the 2026 World Cup?
DR Congo open their Group K campaign against Portugal on 17 June in Houston. They then face Colombia on 23 June in Guadalajara and conclude the group stage against Uzbekistan on 27 June in Atlanta.
Who is DR Congo’s coach at the 2026 World Cup?
Sébastien Desabre, a French coach, is in charge of the Leopards for the 2026 World Cup.
Why is DR Congo’s 2026 World Cup appearance historic?
It is DR Congo’s first World Cup since 1974, when they competed as Zaire. That gap of 52 years makes this a landmark moment for Congolese football.
Who are DR Congo’s key players at the 2026 World Cup?
Yoane Wissa, Cédric Bakambu, Chancel Mbemba, Gaël Kakuta, Noah Sadiki and Fiston Mayele are among the most notable names in the squad.
Why was Jorthy Mokio not included in the DR Congo squad?
Coach Sébastien Desabre confirmed that Mokio is not yet eligible to represent DR Congo at the tournament.
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