Head coach Sébastien Desabre has announced a formidable DR Congo squad ahead of a defining intercontinental playoff that could send the Leopards back to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in nearly 50 years.
The French tactician has assembled a balanced group packed with quality and experience as DR Congo prepare for a decisive encounter that could mark a historic return to football’s grandest stage.
Among the headline inclusions is in-form forward Yoane Wissa of Newcastle United, who makes his return to the national setup. The squad also features defenders Dylan Batubinsika and Jeremy Ngakia, as well as creative winger Grady Diangana.
DR Congo earned their place in the intercontinental playoff after overcoming Nigeria national football team in the African playoff final staged in Morocco last November. That victory placed the Leopards just one step away from ending a World Cup absence that stretches back to their only appearance in 1974.
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Desabre has opted for a squad that blends seasoned internationals with rising prospects, many of whom ply their trade across Europe’s elite leagues. The return of Wissa is expected to bolster the attack significantly, given his impressive performances at club level.
At the back, captain Chancel Mbemba will marshal the defence, supported by experienced names including Axel Tuanzebe and Arthur Masuaku.
The midfield unit offers a blend of industry and creativity, with players such as Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe and Charles Pickel expected to control proceedings in the centre of the park.
In attack, DR Congo possess a range of dangerous options. The likes of Theo Bongonda, Meshack Elia and veteran striker Cédric Bakambu add pace and experience, while forwards Fiston Mayele and Simon Banza provide additional attacking depth.
With qualification within reach, the Leopards will be banking on this talented group to deliver a momentous result and secure a long-awaited return to the World Cup stage.
📋 𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐄
🌟 26 Léopards 🐆 sélectionnés par le sélectionneur-manager Sébastien Desabre 🇨🇩 pour la dernière ligne droite des qualifications à la Coupe du Monde, avec un rendez-vous décisif à Guadalajara, au Mexique 🇲🇽.#FecofaRDC #AllezLesLéopards… pic.twitter.com/jPRlKotC8I
— Fecofa RDC_Officiel (@FecofaRdc) March 11, 2026
DR Congo squad
Goalkeepers: Timothé Fayulu, Lionel Mpasi-Nzau, Mathieu Epolo
Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Jeremy Ngakia, Joris Kayembe, Arthur Masuaku, Steve Kapuadi, Rocky Bushiri, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, Dylan Batubinsika
Midfielders: Noah Sadiki, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, Ngala Mukaou, Charles Pickel, Nathanael Mbuku, Brian Silbenga, Grady Diangana, Meshack Elia, Theo Bongonda
Forwards: Fiston Mayele, Cedric Bakambu, Simon Banza, Yoane Wissa.
