DR Congo return to the FIFA World Cup after a 52-year absence — their only previous appearance was in 1974 as Zaire, when they became the first sub-Saharan African nation to qualify. Coached by Sébastien Desabre, this is a squad of entirely World Cup debutants who nonetheless contain genuine Premier League and Ligue 1 quality. Yoane Wissa at Newcastle, Aaron Wan-Bissaka at West Ham, Arthur Masuaku at Racing Lens and Chancel Mbemba at Lille give the Leopards a backbone of top-flight European experience.
Group K: DR Congo · Portugal · [Group opponents TBC] Opening match: DR Congo vs Portugal — 17 June 2026, Houston Stadium
Full Squad
| Player | Position | Club | Previous World Cups |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matthieu Epolo | Goalkeeper | Standard Liège | 0 |
| Timothy Fayulu | Goalkeeper | Noah | 0 |
| Lionel Mpasi | Goalkeeper | Le Havre | 0 |
| Dylan Batubinsika | Defender | Larisa | 0 |
| Rocky Bushiri | Defender | Hibernian | 0 |
| Gédéon Kalulu | Defender | Aris Limassol | 0 |
| Steve Kapuadi | Defender | Widzew Łódź | 0 |
| Joris Kayembe | Defender | Racing Genk | 0 |
| Arthur Masuaku | Defender | Racing Lens | 0 |
| Chancel Mbemba | Defender | Lille | 0 |
| Axel Tuanzebe | Defender | Burnley | 0 |
| Aaron Wan-Bissaka | Defender | West Ham | 0 |
| Théo Bongonda | Midfielder | Spartak Moscow | 0 |
| Brian Cipenga | Midfielder | Castellón | 0 |
| Meshack Elia | Midfielder | Alanyaspor | 0 |
| Gaël Kakuta | Midfielder | Larisa | 0 |
| Edo Kayembe | Midfielder | Watford | 0 |
| Nathanaël Mbuku | Midfielder | Montpellier | 0 |
| Samuel Moutoussamy | Midfielder | Atromitos | 0 |
| Ngal'ayel Mukau | Midfielder | Lille | 0 |
| Charles Pickel | Midfielder | Espanyol | 0 |
| Noah Sadiki | Midfielder | Sunderland | 0 |
| Cédric Bakambu | Forward | Real Betis | 0 |
| Simon Banza | Forward | Al Jazira | 0 |
| Fiston Mayele | Forward | Pyramids | 0 |
| Yoane Wissa | Forward | Newcastle | 0 |
Key Players to Watch
Yoane Wissa is DR Congo's most explosive attacking talent. The Newcastle United forward has been one of the Premier League's most effective strikers — clinical, powerful and relentless in his pressing. At this World Cup he will be the focal point of DR Congo's attack and is capable of scoring against any opponent.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka brings Premier League experience at the highest level, having played for Manchester United before joining West Ham. As a defender his recovery pace and 1v1 ability make him one of the most physically imposing full-backs in the tournament.
Chancel Mbemba is the defensive leader — a physical, experienced centre-back who has played in the Champions League for Porto and spent years at Ligue 1 level. He is the rock on which DR Congo's defensive structure is built.
Cédric Bakambu provides the most experienced attacking reference point. The Real Betis forward has had spells in China, Spain and across Europe and has been a consistent international goalscorer for DR Congo across several AFCON campaigns.
Group Stage Outlook
Opening against Portugal — with Mbappé-level stars in their attack — is a brutal draw for DR Congo. But this squad is experienced enough to organise a defensive structure and look dangerous on the counter, and Desabre's setup is built around containment and quick transitions.
DR Congo's route to the knockout rounds goes through their other group games. Their Premier League and Ligue 1 contingent give them enough individual quality to compete physically, and Wissa is capable of a defining moment. The 52-year wait for World Cup football ends here — and the Leopards arrive with more credibility than most first-timers.
Squad Profile
All 26 players are World Cup debutants. The squad is predominantly European-based, with representation from the Premier League, Ligue 1, Serie A, and Belgian Pro League. This is no tourist squad — this is a group of professionals who play at the top of European football week in, week out.
FAQ
Who manages DR Congo at the 2026 World Cup?
Sébastien Desabre, a French coach with extensive experience managing African national teams, including Uganda.
When did DR Congo last play at the World Cup before 2026?
DR Congo last appeared at the FIFA World Cup in 1974 — as Zaire — making 2026 their first appearance in 52 years.
Who are DR Congo's key players at the 2026 World Cup?
Yoane Wissa, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba and Cédric Bakambu are among the most prominent players in the squad.
When do DR Congo play their first game at the 2026 World Cup?
DR Congo open Group K against Portugal on 17 June 2026 at Houston Stadium.