The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has released a 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup.
The tournament is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Having qualified for its first World Cup finals since 1974, when it was known as Zaire, the DRC will compete in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan.
The Leopards will begin their campaign on June 17 against Portugal.
Head coach Sebastien Desabre has called up several key players who play in European leagues.
The defense includes Chancel Mbemba (Lille, France), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham, England), Axel Tuanzebe (Burnley, England), and Arthur Masuaku (RC Lens, France). T
he squad also includes Joris Kayembe (KRC Genk, Belgium), Steve Kapuadi (Widzew Łódź, Poland), Rocky Bushiri (Hibernian FC, Scotland), and Dylan Batubinsika (Larissa, Greece).
In midfield, Noah Sadiki (Sunderland, England), Samuel Moutoussamy (Atromitos, Greece), Edo Kayembe (Watford, England), and Ngal’ayel Mukau (Lille, France) are among those named in the squad announced on Monday.
The attacking line will be led by Yoane Wissa (Newcastle United, England), Cedric Bakambu (Real Betis, Spain), Simon Banza (Al Jazira Club, United Arab Emirates), and Fiston Mayele (Pyramids FC, Egypt).
Gael Kakuta (Larissa, Greece), Theo Bongonda (Spartak Moscow, Russia), Meschack Elia (Alanyaspor, Turkey), and Nathanael Mbuku (Augsburg, Germany) complete the Congolese attack.
According to FIFA, ten African nations will participate in the 2026 World Cup namely Senegal, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, South Africa, Cabo Verde, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The DRC will also play two warm-up matches before the tournament: against Denmark on June 3 in Liège, Belgium before facing Chile on June 9 in Marbella, Spain.
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