DR Congo FIFA World Cup 2026 squad: Full Roster, All Player List
DR Congo have announced their squad for the 2026 World Cup, with several Premier League-based players included. West Ham defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka continues his international journey with the Leopards after switching allegiance from England last year, while Newcastle striker Yoane Wissa returns despite a difficult season affected by injuries and inconsistent form.
Burnley’s Axel Tuanzebe, Watford midfielder Edo Kayembe, Sunderland youngster Noah Sadiki and Hibernian defender Rocky Bushiri also made the squad, although Bushiri is carrying an injury concern after limping off against Motherwell recently.
Head coach Sebastien Desabre has also brought back veteran playmaker Gael Kakuta. The 34-year-old former Chelsea midfielder has rarely featured for DR Congo over the past two years but adds experience ahead of the tournament.
DR Congo will face a tough challenge in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan. The nation is preparing for its first World Cup appearance since 1974, when they competed as Zaire and endured a difficult campaign, including a heavy defeat to Yugoslavia. Despite that, the tournament remains memorable for Mwepu Ilunga’s famous moment of rushing out from the defensive wall during a free-kick against Brazil.
DR Congo 2026 FIFA World Cup squad: Full Players List
Goalkeepers:
Matthieu Epolo (Standard Liege), Timothy Fayulu (Noah), Lionel Mpasi (Le Havre).
Matthieu Epolo (Standard Liege), Timothy Fayulu (Noah), Lionel Mpasi (Le Havre).
Defenders:
Dylan Batubinsika (Larisa), Rocky Bushiri (Hibernian), Gedoon Kalulu (Aris Limassol), Steve Kapuadi (Widzew Lodz), Joris Kayembe (Racing Genk), Arthur Masuaku (Racing Lens), Chancel Mbemba (Lille), Axel Tuanzebe (Burnley), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham United).
Midfielders:
Theo Bongonda (Spartak Moscow), Brian Cipenga (Castellon), Meshack Elia (Alanyaspor), Gael Kakuta (Larisa), Edo Kayembe (Watford), Nathanael Mbuku (Montpellier), Samuel Moutoussamy (Atromitos), Ngal'ayel Mukau (Lille), Charles Pickel (Espanyol), Noah Sadiki (Sunderland).
Theo Bongonda (Spartak Moscow), Brian Cipenga (Castellon), Meshack Elia (Alanyaspor), Gael Kakuta (Larisa), Edo Kayembe (Watford), Nathanael Mbuku (Montpellier), Samuel Moutoussamy (Atromitos), Ngal'ayel Mukau (Lille), Charles Pickel (Espanyol), Noah Sadiki (Sunderland).
Forwards:
Cedric Bakambu (Real Betis), Simon Banza (Al Jazira), Fiston Mayele (Pyramids), Yoane Wissa (Newcastle United).
Cedric Bakambu (Real Betis), Simon Banza (Al Jazira), Fiston Mayele (Pyramids), Yoane Wissa (Newcastle United).
Congo DR's World Cup 2026 Schedule
Earlier, The country was known as Zaire when they last played at the World Cup in West Germany in 1974, losing all three games, including a 9-0 defeat to Yugoslavia.
17 June: Portugal v Congo DR - Houston Stadium
23 June: Colombia v Congo DR - Guadalajara Stadium
27 June: Congo DR v Uzbekistan - Atlanta Stadium
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