DR Congo returns to the World Cup after more than half a century

The national team of the Democratic Republic of the Congo officially confirmed the 26 players who will represent the country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking the Leopards’ return to football’s biggest stage after 52 years away.

The country’s only previous World Cup appearance came at Germany 1974, when the nation still competed under the name Zaire. Now, under the official identity of DR Congo, the African side hopes to write a completely new chapter in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

The team managed by French coach Sébastien Desabre will compete in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan, one of the tournament’s toughest groups and a major challenge for the returning African nation.

DR Congo’s Official Squad For The 2026 World Cup

Goalkeepers

Matthieu Epolo — Standard Liège (Belgian Pro League)
Timothy Fayulu — FC Noah (Armenian Premier League)
Lionel Mpasi — Le Havre (Ligue 1)

Defenders

Dylan Batubinsika — Larisa (Super League Greece 2)
Rocky Bushiri — Hibernian (Scottish Premiership)
Gedoon Kalulu — Aris Limassol (Cypriot First Division)
Steve Kapuadi — Widzew Łódź (Ekstraklasa)
Joris Kayembe — Racing Genk (Belgian Pro League)
Arthur Masuaku — Lens (Ligue 1)
Chancel Mbemba — Lille (Ligue 1)
Axel Tuanzebe — Burnley (Premier League)
Aaron Wan-Bissaka — West Ham United (Premier League)

Midfielders

Théo Bongonda — Spartak Moscow (Russian Premier League)
Brian Cipenga — CD Castellón (LaLiga 2)
Meshack Elia — Alanyaspor (Süper Lig)
Gaël Kakuta — Larisa (Super League Greece 2)
Edo Kayembe — Watford (Championship)
Nathanael Mbuku — Montpellier (Ligue 1)
Samuel Moutoussamy — Atromitos (Super League Greece)
Ngal'ayel Mukau — Lille (Ligue 1)
Charles Pickel — Espanyol (LaLiga)
Noah Sadiki — Sunderland (Premier League)

Forwards

Cédric Bakambu — Real Betis (LaLiga)
Simon Banza — Al Jazira (UAE Pro League)
Fiston Mayele — Pyramids FC (Egyptian Premier League)
Yoane Wissa — Newcastle United (Premier League)

Head Coach

Sébastien Desabre

Player To Watch

The biggest attacking star of this Congolese squad is undoubtedly Yoane Wissa. The Newcastle United forward arrives at the World Cup after establishing himself as one of the most dangerous African attackers in the Premier League thanks to his speed, movement, and finishing ability.

Wissa will be the main offensive weapon for a team hoping to compete against football’s traditional powers and prove that DR Congo is no longer just another underdog on the global stage.

Axel Tuanzebe delivered the historic qualification

One of the most important moments in modern Congolese football history came during the intercontinental playoff held in Mexico.

Against Jamaica, at the Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, defender Axel Tuanzebe scored the decisive goal in the 100th minute of extra time to seal DR Congo’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup, sparking massive celebrations across Kinshasa and the entire country.

Everything you need to know about Congo DR National Team

DR Congo arrives with stars from Europe’s top leagues

The biggest strength of Sébastien Desabre’s squad is the large number of players currently competing in some of the best leagues in world football.

Footballers such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, Cédric Bakambu, and Charles Pickel bring valuable international experience and significantly raise the competitive level of a national team dreaming of becoming one of the biggest surprise stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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