Congo DR have announced their 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
Head coach coach Sebastien Desabre, who guided the Leopards to their first berth to the global finals since 1974, reflected on their path to the tournament, which included a nervy 1-0 win over Jamaica in the FIFA Play-Off Tournament final, and assured Congo DR fans that they will be giving everything they have in North America.
“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.”
There are few surprises in the squad, as Desabre will be relying on almost all the players who earned their World Cup spot in Mexico a month and a half ago. Among the star players in the fold are captain Cedric Bakambu, Chancel Mbemba and Fiston Mayele.
One of the highlighted inclusions for the Leopards is Gael Kakuta, who hadn’t taken part in the African qualifiers for the World Cup nor worn the Congo DR jersey since 2024, apart from two matches at the last AFCON. Gedeon Kalulu also makes a worthy return, having just come back from a major knee injury.
Goalkeepers
Lionel Mpasi
Thimothy Fayulu
Matthieu Epolo
Defenders
Chancel Mbemba
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Alex Tuanzebe
Arthur Masuaku
Joris Kayembe
Steve Kapuadi
Rocky Bushiri
Dylan Batubinsika
Gédéon Kalulu
Midfielders
Noah Sadiki
Samuel Moutoussamy
Edo Kayembe
Ngal’ayel Mukau
Charles Pickel
Nathanael Mbuku
Brian Cipenga
Meschack Elia
Gael Kakuta
Forwards
Theo Bongonda
Fiston Mayele
Cedric Bakambu
Simon Banza
Yoane Wissa
All squads are provisional until the final list of 26 players is announced by FIFA, following their submission by participating teams, on 2 June.
