DR Congo: 2026 World Cup squad confirmed
DR Congo have confirmed their 26-player squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. DR Congo make their World Cup debut carrying the hopes of one of Africa's largest nations a country of over 100 million people with a deep, complicated relationship with football.
Congolese football has long produced extraordinary individual talent without the infrastructure to support a sustained national-team program. Sebastien Desabre has changed that, building a cohesive unit from players scattered across European leagues. The country's recent history has been marked by conflict and political instability, but football provides a rare source of unity and joy. This squad represents something far bigger than sport.
Head coach Sebastien Desabre has named his final selection for the tournament in North America.
Yoane Wissa's pace at Newcastle, Chancel Mbemba's experience at Lille, and the creative menace of Theo Bongonda give Congo genuine quality. Aaron Wan-Bissaka's inclusion adds Premier League steel in defence. Every match will feel like a cup final for a nation making history.
Yoane Wissa's pace at Newcastle, Chancel Mbemba's experience at Lille, and the creative menace of Theo Bongonda give Congo genuine quality.
Lionel Mpasi - Le Havre
Timothy Fayulu - Noah
Matthieu Epolo - Standard Liege
Chancel Mbemba - Lille
Arthur Masuaku - Lens
Gedeon Kalulu - Aris Limassol
Joris Kayembe - Genk
Dylan Batubinsika - AEL
Axel Tuanzebe - Burnley
Aaron Wan-Bissaka - West Ham
Steve Kapuadi - Widzew Lodz
Meschak Elia - Alanyaspor
Samuel Moutoussamy - Atromitos
Edo Kayembe - Watford
Theo Bongonda - Spartak Moscow
Charles Pickel - Espanyol
Gael Kakuta - AEL
Noah Sadiki - Sunderland
Nathanael Mbuku - Montpellier
Aaron Tshibola - Kilmarnock
Ngal'ayel Mukau - Lille
Brian Cipenga - Castellon
Cedric Bakambu - Real Betis
Fiston Mayele - Pyramids
Yoane Wissa - Newcastle United
Simon Banza - Al Jazira
The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico the first edition to feature 48 nations.
