List of players for the Democratic Republic of Congo national team for the 2026 World Cup.
The head coach of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sebastien Desabre, has finalized a 26-player squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This marks the Congolese national team's return to the tournament since 1974.
The Football Association of the Democratic Republic of Congo has just announced the list of 26 players who will participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026. The team, nicknamed "Leopards," will make its first appearance in the World Cup finals since 1974 – a long 52-year wait for football in this Central African nation.
Coach Sebastien Desabre, who led the "Black Panthers" to this remarkable achievement, shared insights into the team's arduous journey. Their path to qualifying for North America included a thrilling 1-0 victory over Jamaica in the FIFA Play-off Final – a tense encounter that propelled Congo to the world's biggest tournament.
"This journey hasn't been easy, but we've shown our character to achieve our goal," coach Desabre shared. "We are very proud to be at the World Cup. Along with that comes a great responsibility – to perform well for ourselves and for our country."
"Thank you to the Congolese fans for being with us throughout this campaign. We will do our utmost to bring pride to everyone and present the best image of the Democratic Republic of Congo," added coach Desabre.
The list of 26 players held few surprises. Coach Desabre continued to place his trust in almost all the players who helped the team secure their World Cup qualification in Mexico a month and a half ago. Leading the pack were captain Cedric Bakambu, veteran defender Chancel Mbemba, and forward Fiston Mayele.
One of the notable highlights of the list is the return of Gael Kakuta. The player did not participate in the World Cup qualifiers in the African region and has not represented the Democratic Republic of Congo since 2024, except for two appearances in the most recent AFCON (African Cup of Nations).
Gedeon Kalulu also makes a valuable return after recovering from a serious knee injury. The presence of these two players adds depth to the Black Panthers' squad ahead of the major tournament.
List of 26 players from the Democratic Republic of Congo for the 2026 World Cup.
Goalkeepers (3 players):Lionel Mpasi, Thimothy Fayulu, Matthieu Epolo.
Defenders (9 players):Chancel Mbemba, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Alex Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Joris Kayembe, Steve Kapuadi, Rocky Bushiri, Dylan Batubinsika, Gédéon Kalulu.
Midfielders (9 players):Noah Sadiki, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, Ngal'ayel Mukau, Charles Pickel, Nathanael Mbuku, Brian Cipenga, Meschack Elia, Gael Kakuta.
Forwards (5 players):Theo Bongonda, Fiston Mayele, Cedric Bakambu, Simon Banza, Yoane Wissa.
Democratic Republic of Congo's schedule at the 2026 World Cup
At the 2026 World Cup finals, the Democratic Republic of Congo national team will play three group stage matches according to the following schedule:
June 17th:Portugal vs Democratic Republic of Congo - Houston Stadium.
June 23rd:Colombia vs Democratic Republic of Congo - Guadalajara Stadium.
June 27th:Democratic Republic of Congo vs Uzbekistan - Atlanta Stadium.