DR Congo have officially begun preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the Leopards assembling in Belgium for the first phase of their training camp ahead of the tournament.
Twenty players joined the national team in Brussels on Monday, while six others are expected to travel directly to Liège, where the squad will continue its preparations before heading to Spain for a second training phase.
The camp marks the beginning of what Congolese football supporters hope will become one of the country’s most important international campaigns in recent decades.
With several experienced players and Europe-based stars included in the squad, expectations are rising around the Leopards ahead of the tournament.
The Congolese side will hold its first training session in Liège on Tuesday evening before facing Denmark in a friendly match on 3 June.
The team will then move to Marbella in Spain, where another preparatory match against Chile is scheduled for 9 June.
DR Congo have been drawn in a challenging World Cup group alongside Portugal national football team, Colombia national football team and Uzbekistan national football team.
For many observers, however, the start of the camp is already significant because it reflects the growing ambition of Congolese football and the increasing influence of francophone African nations on the world stage.
The squad includes several well-known players competing across Europe’s top leagues.
Captain Chancel Mbemba is among the most experienced figures in the group, alongside veteran striker Cedric Bakambu.
Premier League forward Yoane Wissa is also part of the squad, while attacking options include Simon Banza, Fiston Mayele and Mechack Elia.
The midfield unit combines experience and technical quality, with Gael Kakuta, Samuel Moutoussamy and Charles Pickel among those expected to play important roles during the tournament.
Defensively, the Leopards will rely on experienced internationals such as Arthur Masuaku, Joris Kayembe and Dylan Batubinsika.
The squad gathering in Belgium also highlights the deep football links between DR Congo and Europe, particularly Belgium and France, where many Congolese players have either been born, raised or developed professionally.
Belgium has historically served as a major football base for Congolese talent, and the decision to begin preparations in Brussels reflects those long-standing sporting and cultural ties.
Supporters will now hope the preparations can help DR Congo compete strongly against some of world football’s established powers when the World Cup begins.
The upcoming friendlies against Denmark and Chile are expected to offer an important test of the team’s tactical readiness and squad depth before the tournament officially starts.
Players present in camp
Goalkeepers:
Lionel Mpasi, Timothy Fayulu
Defenders and midfielders:
Gideon Kalulu, Arthur Masuaku, Joris Kayembe, Steve Kapuadi, Dylan Batubinsika, Chancel Mbemba, Edo Kayembe, Aaron Tshibola, Samuel Moutoussamy, Charles Pickel, Ngal Ayel Mukau, Gael Kakuta
Forwards:
Mechack Elia, Nathanael Mbuku, Simon Banza, Fiston Mayele, Yoane Wissa, Cedric Bakambu
