DR Congo name experienced squad for historic 2026 World Cup return

DR Congo coach Sébastien Desabre has announced his final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the Leopards prepare for their first appearance at the tournament in more than five decades.The tournament, which will be jointly hosted by United States, Canada and Mexico, runs from June 11 to July 19 and marks a historic return for DR Congo, whose only previous World Cup appearance came in 1974.Desabre has selected a squad combining experienced internationals, Europe-based talent and players with strong African football backgrounds as the Congolese attempt to make an impact on the global stage.Leading the squad are several high-profile names including Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba and Yoane Wissa, who are expected to provide leadership during the tournament.The Leopards have been drawn in a difficult Group K alongside Portugal national football team, Colombia national football team and Uzbekistan national football team.DR Congo will open their campaign against Portugal on June 17 before taking on Colombia on June 24.Their final group-stage match will be against Uzbekistan on June 28.The squad announcement has generated major excitement among supporters in the Central African nation, where anticipation has continued to grow ahead of the country’s long-awaited return to football’s biggest competition.Among the goalkeepers selected are Dimitry Bertaud Fayulu of FC Noah, Lionel Mpasi from Le Havre and Epolo of Standard de Liège.The defensive unit includes Wan-Bissaka, Arthur Masuaku, Axel Tuanzebe and Mbemba, giving the Leopards a backline packed with experience from European football.In midfield, Desabre has turned to players such as Gaël Kakuta, Théo Bongonda and Samuel Moutoussamy to provide creativity and balance.The attacking department features several proven forwards including Cédric Bakambu, Simon Banza and Fiston Mayele, with Wissa expected to play a major role after another strong club season.For many Congolese supporters, the squad announcement represents more than just football.The return to the World Cup has become a symbol of progress and renewed ambition after decades away from the tournament.Desabre appears determined to build a side capable of competing against more established nations while embracing the underdog role.The mix of experienced internationals and emerging talent has strengthened belief that the Leopards could become one of Africa’s surprise packages at the competition.The pressure will be significant, particularly against Portugal and Colombia, but optimism continues to grow that the Leopards can write a new chapter in Congolese football history.

Related World Cup coverage: DR Congo World Cup 2026 guide | World Cup squads tracker

Mubarak Haruna

Mubarak Haruna is an emerging force in African football journalism, recognised for his speed, accuracy and ability to break major stories. He specialises in breaking news, match coverage and multimedia storytelling across radio, television and digital platforms.He holds a degree in Journalism from the Ghana Institute of Journalism and has developed his craft within some of Ghana’s leading media organisations. Mubarak has worked with the Multimedia Group, where he served as a sports radio and television presenter at Joy FM, while also contributing as a writer for Myjoyonline.com.Known for his sharp instincts and ability to deliver timely football stories, Mubarak has gained growing recognition for his impactful reporting and dedication to the profession.He is currently the Deputy Managing Editor of African.Football, where he plays a key role in driving editorial operations, breaking major stories and supporting the platform’s mission to deliver fast, reliable and high-quality African football content to a global audience.

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