One Win from History: DR Congo Welcomes Back Newcastle’s Wissa for 52-Year World Cup Quest
Sébastien Desabre has officially unveiled the 26-man squad for the Léopards as they head into the decisive FIFA Inter-confederation Play-offs in Guadalajara, Mexico.
After a difficult African playoff qualifications journey that saw them top their zone by defeating Nigeria, the DR Congo stands just one win away from their first World Cup appearance since 1974.
The Return of the Star: Yoane Wissa
The headline of Desabre’s list is undoubtedly the return of Yoane Wissa. Now at Newcastle United following a high-profile move from Brentford, the forward’s absence from the 2025 AFCON in Morocco was a major blow to the team’s finishing edge. Wissa missed the continental tournament while recovering from a knee injury sustained during a qualifier against Senegal in September. His return provides a massive boost; his pace and Premier League experience are exactly what the Léopards need for a one-off final.
The Road to the World Cup: Playoff Format
The road to the 2026 World Cup for the DR Congo has reached its final chapter as they enter the FIFA Inter-confederation Play-off tournament in Guadalajara, Mexico. Because of their high standing in the global rankings, the Léopards have been granted a seeded path, allowing them to bypass the initial rounds and head straight into a decisive playoff final. They are currently awaiting the winner of the semi-final clash between Jamaica, representing CONCACAF, and New Caledonia from the OFC. This winner-takes-all showdown is scheduled for Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at the Estadio Akron, where a single victory will secure their place in Group K of the World Cup alongside footballing giants: Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan, potentially ending a 52-year wait for a return to the world’s biggest stage.
Official 26-Man Squad List
Desabre has opted for continuity, keeping the core that defeated Nigeria in the African playoffs, while making a few strategic adjustments to the roster.
Goalkeepers
Timothy Fayulu (FC Noah), Lionel Mpasi (Le Havre), Matthieu Epolo (Standard Liège)
Defenders
Chancel Mbemba (Lille), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham), Axel Tuanzebe (Burnley), Arthur Masuaku (Sunderland), Joris Kayembe (Genk), Dylan Batubinsika (AEL), Jeremy Ngakia (Watford), Steve Kapuadi (Legia Warsaw), Rocky Bushiri (Hibernian)
Midfielders
Samuel Moutoussamy (Atromitos), Edo Kayembe (Watford), Charles Pickel (Espanyol), Noah Sadiki (Sunderland), Ngal’ayel Mukau (Lille), Nathanael Mbuku (Montpellier), Brian Cipenga (Castellón), Grady Diangana (Elche), Meschak Elia (Alanyaspor), Théo Bongonda (Spartak Moscow)
Forwards
Yoane Wissa (Newcastle), Cédric Bakambu (Real Betis), Simon Banza (Al Jazira), Fiston Mayele (Pyramids FC)
The Léopards enter the playoff as the clear favorites. With the defensive leadership of Chancel Mbemba and the returned firepower of Yoane Wissa, they possess a level of tactical maturity that few teams in the playoff bracket can match.
Desabre’s Tactical Shifts & AFCON Context
Sébastien Desabre has implemented several changes to ensure the squad is mentally and physically prepared for this singular match. Most notably, he has prioritized squad stability and clean eligibility by omitting players like Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens to avoid any late-stage legal protests regarding their nationality switches, showing a move towards a more risk-averse, focused administrative approach. On the pitch, the recall of defensive stalwarts like Jeremy Ngakia and Dylan Batubinsika signals a transition toward a more rigid, flexible backline designed to absorb pressure, a lesson learned from their narrow exit against a strong Algeria side in the AFCON. By reintegrating Yoane Wissa into his preferred 4-2-3-1 system, Desabre has shifted the team’s identity from a counter-attacking underdog to a dominant, possession-based side that utilizes Premier pace to stretch opponents, reinforcing the belief that the Léopards are now a top-tier continental power ready for the global elite.
It is important to remember that this is a side of immense quality. Their exit from the recent AFCON was not a sign of weakness; they were only knocked out in the Round of 16 by a strong Algeria side in a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat that required an 118th-minute goal in extra time. That performance proved they can go toe-to-toe with the continent’s giants, and with a full-strength squad, they look unstoppable.
