DR Congo Name Strong 26-Man Squad for Historic 2026 FIFA World Cup Return

18/05/2026

The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially begun for the Democratic Republic of Congo, with the Leopards unveiling a strong and ambitious 26-man squad ahead of their long-awaited return to football’s biggest stage.

It will be a historic summer for the nation, who are preparing to play at the World Cup for the first time since 1974. More than five decades after their only previous appearance, DR Congo now head to North America carrying the hopes of an entire nation eager to see its football rise again among the global elite.

Head coach Sébastien Desabre announced his final squad on Monday, May 18, selecting a balanced group that combines European-based experience, physicality, flair and emerging talent.

Placed in a difficult Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan, the Leopards know the challenge ahead will be enormous. Yet there is also growing belief that this current generation possesses enough quality to compete and possibly spring a surprise.

The Congolese squad is headlined by experienced names such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, Gaël Kakuta and Cédric Bakambu, while attacking threats like Yoane Wissa and Simon Banza are expected to carry much of the nation’s hopes in front of goal.

Desabre’s side enters the tournament with momentum after impressive recent performances in African competitions, and many observers believe this could be one of the strongest Congolese teams assembled in years.

A Tough Group Awaits

DR Congo’s World Cup journey will begin against Portugal, one of the tournament favourites and a side packed with technical quality, attacking depth and vast tournament experience. The game will be played on June 17th in Houston.

Their second group match against Colombia could prove decisive. The South Americans are renowned for their intensity, flair and aggressive pressing game, making them one of the most dangerous sides in the group. However, DR Congo will fancy their chances of matching Colombia physically while looking to exploit spaces in transition a week after their first game, in Guadalajara, Mexico.

The final group clash against Uzbekistan may ultimately determine qualification hopes for either side. Uzbekistan have steadily grown into a competitive Asian force over recent years and are known for their discipline and organization. Still, on paper, many believe the Leopards possess more individual quality and experience at the highest level on June 28th.

For Desabre and his men, reaching the knockout stages would represent one of the greatest achievements in Congolese football history.

Important Warm-Up Matches Scheduled

Before flying to North America, DR Congo will play two international friendlies as part of their preparations for the World Cup.

The Leopards will first face Denmark on June 3 in Liège, Belgium, before taking on Chile on June 9 in Marbella, Spain.

Both matches are expected to provide valuable tests against technically gifted opponents and will allow Desabre to fine-tune his tactical setup ahead of the tournament opener.

DR Congo’s 26-Man Squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Goalkeepers

Lionel Mpasi (Le Havre)
Timothy Fayulu (FC Noah)
Matthieu Epolo (Standard de Liège)

Defenders

Chancel Mbemba (Lille)
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham)
Axel Tuanzebe (Burnley)
Arthur Masuaku (Lens)
Joris Kayembe (Genk)
Steve Kapuadi (Widzew Łódź)
Rocky Bushiri (Hibernian)
Dylan Batubinsika (Larissa)
Gedeon Kalulu (Aris Limassol)

Midfielders

Noah Sadiki (Sunderland)
Samuel Moutoussamy (Atromitos)
Edo Kayembe (Watford)
Ngal’ayel Mukau (Lille)
Charles Pickel (Espanyol)
Nathanael Mbuku (Augsburg)
Brian Sipanga (Castellon)
Gaël Kakuta (Larissa)
Meschack Elia (Alanyaspor)
Théo Bongonda (Spartak Moscow)

Forwards

Fiston Mayele (Pyramids)
Cédric Bakambu (Real Betis)
Simon Banza (Al Jazira Club)
Yoane Wissa (Newcastle)

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