The Democratic Republic of Congo have unveiled a 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as the Leopards prepare for their first appearance at the tournament in over 50 years.
Head coach Sebastien Desabre announced the squad on Monday ahead of the global showpiece.
The Congolese last featured at the FIFA World Cup in 1974 in West Germany, where they exited in the group stage after losing all three matches, including a heavy defeat to Yugoslavia.
DR Congo have been drawn in Group K for the 2026 finals alongside Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan.
Desabre said the squad selection was largely straightforward due to the stability and continuity within the team over the last four years.
“The squad has picked itself because we’ve all been together now for some four years. The World Cup is no forum for experimenting or development,” Desabre stated.
“We want to play to our best level, and our objective is to get past the first phase, which I believe is well within our capacity.”
The squad features several experienced stars, including captain Chancel Mbemba, Cedric Bakambu, Yoane Wissa and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Full Squad
Goalkeepers: Matthieu Epolo (Standard Liege), Timothy Fayulu (Noah), Lionel Mpasi (Le Havre)
Defenders: Dylan Batubinsika (Larisa), Rocky Bushiri (Hibernian), Gedeon Kalulu (Aris Limassol), Steve Kapuadi (Widzew Lodz), Joris Kayembe (Racing Genk), Arthur Masuaku (Racing Lens), Chancel Mbemba (Lille), Axel Tuanzebe (Burnley), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham United)
Midfielders: Theo Bongonda (Spartak Moscow), Brian Cipenga (Castellon), Elia Meshack (Alanyaspor), Gael Kakuta (Larissa), Edo Kayembe (Watford), Nathanael Mbuku (Montpellier), Samuel Moutoussamy (Atromitos), Ngalayel Mukau (Lille), Charles Pickel (Espanyol), Noah Sadiki (Sunderland)
Forwards: Cedric Bakambu (Real Betis), Simon Banza (Al Jazira), Fiston Mayele (Pyramids), Yoane Wissa (Newcastle United)
