DR Congo have officially unveiled their 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with head coach Sébastien Desabre choosing to remain loyal to the core of players who secured qualification for the campaign.
The Leopards are preparing for their first World Cup appearance since 1974 and their first ever under the name DR Congo.
DR Congo secured qualification after an impressive and demanding journey.
After finishing second behind Senegal in their qualifying group, they successfully navigated the playoffs by defeating Cameroon, Nigeria, and Jamaica to book their place at the tournament.
Reflecting on the achievement, Desabre praised his squad’s resilience and determination throughout the campaign.
“It has not been simple, but we showed resilience to reach our goal,” said Desabre. “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. Thanks to our Congolese fans who followed us all through our campaign.
“We will give our all to make everybody proud and show the best image of Congo Democratic Republic.”
Desabre also maintained a strict loyalty policy by sticking with the players who secured qualification, despite interest from several dual-national players after the campaign.
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Notably, no player from the Congolese domestic league made the final squad, with clubs such as TP Mazembe, St Eloi Lupopo, AS Vita Club, and AS Maniema Union all unrepresented.
The squad
Goalkeepers: Timothy Fayulu, Lionel Mpasi, Matthieu Epolo.
Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Gédéon Kalulu, Chancel Mbemba, Steve Kapuadi, Axel Tuanzebe, Dylan Batubinsika , Rocky Bushiri, Arthur Masuaku, Joris Kayembe.
Midfield: Samuel Moutoussamy, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Gaël Kakuta, Charles Pickel, Noah Sadiki, Edo Kayembe.
Attack: Théo Bongonda, Nathanaël Mbuku, Cédric Bakambu, Simon Banza, Fiston Mayele, Brian Cipenga, Yoane Wissa, Meschack Elia.
DR Congo have been drawn in Group K of the tournament alongside Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan.
Their World Cup campaign will begin against Portugal on June 17 at the NRG Stadium in Houston, before facing Colombia on June 23 at Akron Stadium in Guadalajara.
The Leopards will conclude the group stage against Uzbekistan on June 27 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
