Kaizer Chiefs Striker Glody Lilepo Left Out of DR Congo World Cup Squad

Kaizer Chiefs striker Glody Lilepo will not be part of DR Congo’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Coach Sébastien Desabre left the 28-year-old out of his final 26-man selection, announced on Monday.

Lilepo has earned 11 caps for the Leopards, but his last appearance came in a friendly back in June 2023. He has not featured in Desabre’s plans since then, and that trend continued with the final World Cup squad announcement.

A Historic Moment for DR Congo

DR Congo’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is a landmark achievement. The Leopards are returning to the global stage for the first time in 52 years, having last appeared at the tournament in 1974, when they competed as Zaire.

Their qualification was sealed in dramatic fashion. An Axel Tuanzebe header in the 100th minute of their final qualifying match, against Jamaica in Guadalajara, confirmed their place in the tournament. The goal sparked celebrations across Kinshasa, with thousands of fans taking to the streets.

DR Congo were the last of the 48 teams to complete the 2026 World Cup roster. They have been drawn in Group K, alongside Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan.

Who Made the Squad?

With Lilepo absent, Desabre has selected a squad that leans heavily on players based in Europe.

In attack, Newcastle United winger Yoane Wissa and Real Betis striker Cedric Bakambu are the headline names. Fiston Mayele of Pyramids FC is the only forward in the squad based on the African continent.

West Ham United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka is among the notable names in defence, alongside captain Chancel Mbemba of Lille.
The midfield includes the likes of Noah Sadiki (Sunderland), Edo Kayembe (Watford), and Gaël Kakuta (Larissa), giving the side a blend of creativity and energy in the middle of the park.

The full squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Timothy Fayulu (FC Noah), Lionel Mpasi (Le Havre), Mike Epolo (Standard Liege)

Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham United), Gédéon Kalulu (AEL Limassol), Joris Kayembe (Genk), Arthur Masuaku (Lens), Steve Kapuadi (Widzew Lodz), 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), Brian Cipenga (Castellon), Theo Bongonda (Spartak Moscow), Gaël Kakuta (Larissa)

Forwards: Meschack Elia (Alanyaspor), Fiston Mayele (Pyramids), Cedric Bakambu (Real Betis), Simon Banza (Al Jazira), Yoane Wissa (Newcastle United)

DR Congo’s World Cup Schedule

The Leopards open their Group K campaign against Portugal on 17 June 2026 in Houston. They then face Colombia on 23 June in Guadalajara, before closing the group stage against Uzbekistan on 27 June in Atlanta.

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Kaizer Chiefs Striker Glody Lilepo Left Out of DR Congo World Cup Squad