Bakambu, Mbemba and Mayele star in Congo DR squad

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Bakambu, Mbemba and Mayele star in Congo DR squad image

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.

Explore hospitality packages for Congo DR's FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches

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.

ZAPOPAN, MEXICO - MARCH 31: Sebastien Desabre, Head Coach of Congo DR, celebrates with his players after winning and qualifying to the 2026 World Cup following the FIFA World Cup 2026 Play-Off tournament final match between Congo DR and Jamaica at Estadio Guadalajara on March 31, 2026 in Zapopan, Mexico. (Photo by Manuel Velasquez - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Congo DR's World Cup 2026

17 June: Portugal v Congo DR - Houston Stadium
23 June: Colombia v Congo DR - Guadalajara Stadium
27 June: Congo DR v Uzbekistan - Atlanta Stadium