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DR Congo have secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking their first appearance at the tournament since 1974 when they competed as Zaire.

This upcoming World Cup will be a historic return for the Leopards, ending a 52-year absence from the global stage. They finished their qualification campaign with 22 points, placing second behind Senegal, and ultimately booked their place through an intercontinental play-off victory.

Head coach Sebastian Desabre has unveiled his final squad, mixing experienced names with emerging talent. Former Newcastle United defender Chancel Mbemba will lead the side as captain, while current Newcastle star Yoane Wissa aims to rediscover top form ahead of the summer competition.

This World Cup will be the first for Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe since switching allegiance from England. However, the squad omits Belgium-born Mario Stroeykens and France-born Warren Bondo, both of whom recently declared for DR Congo, along with ex-Manchester United youth defender Willy Kambwala.

Desabre’s decision to remain loyal to the players who guided DR Congo through qualification has been well-received by fans. With a strong team spirit and a favourable group draw, the central African side has every reason to believe in progressing to the knockout stages, as even one win could be enough to ensure advancement.

Portugal and Colombia are predicted to vie for the top two spots in their group, but if DR Congo can manage a draw against one of them and defeat Uzbekistan, a place in the round of 32 is almost certain.

After decades of waiting, optimism runs high among supporters that the Leopards—nicknamed the Sky Blues—could spring some surprises against more established footballing nations.

Goalkeepers:
Lionel Mpasi (Le Havre)
Timothy Fayulu (Noah)
Matthieu Epolo (Standard Liege)

Defenders:
Chancel Mbemba (Lille)
Arthur Masuaku (Lens)
Gedeon Kalulu (Aris Limassol)
Joris Kayembe (Genk)
Dylan Batubinsika (AEL)
Axel Tuanzebe (Burnley)
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham United)
Rocky Bushiri (Hibernian)
Steve Kapuadi (Widzew Lodz)

Midfielders:
Meschak Elia (Alanyaspor)
Samuel Moutoussamy (Atromitos)
Edo Kayembe (Watford)
Charles Pickel (Espanyol)
Gael Kakuta (AEL)
Noah Sadiki (Sunderland)
Nathanael Mbuku (Montpellier)
Ngal'ayel Mukau (Lille)
Brian Cipenga (Castellon)

Forwards:
Cedric Bakambu (Real Betis)
Theo Bongonda (Spartak Moscow)
Fiston Mayele (Pyramids)
Yoane Wissa (Newcastle United)
Simon Banza (Al Jazira)

Fixtures:
June 17, 2026: Portugal v DR Congo, NRG Stadium, Houston, United States
June 24, 2026: Colombia v DR Congo, Estadio Akron, Zapopan, Mexico
June 28, 2026: DR Congo v Uzbekistan, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, United States

Recent Results:
March 31, 2026: DR Congo 1-0 Jamaica (AET), Estadio Akron, Zapopan, Mexico
March 25, 2026: DR Congo 2-0 Bermuda, Estadio Jalisco, Guadalajara, Mexico
January 6, 2026: Algeria 1-0 DR Congo, Rabat, Morocco
December 30, 2025: Botswana 0-3 DR Congo, Rabat, Morocco
December 27, 2025: Senegal 1-1 DR Congo, Tangier, Morocco
December 23, 2025: DR Congo 1-0 Benin, Rabat, Morocco
December 16, 2025: Zambia 0-2 DR Congo, Murcia, Spain
November 16, 2025: Nigeria 1-1 (3-4 p) DR Congo, Rabat, Morocco

DR Congo have been drawn into Group K for the 2026 World Cup.

Head coach Sebastian Desabre brings extensive experience in African football, having managed in eight different countries before taking charge of DR Congo in 2022. The Frenchman has now guided the nation back to the global stage after more than five decades.

At 49, Desabre’s journey is remarkable—he never played professionally and instead began his managerial career at the age of 30. His tactical work and leadership have been widely praised across the continent.

Among the standout players, captain Chancel Mbemba remains the heart of the team. The centre-back holds the record for the most appearances in national colours, with 107 caps to his name. His career has seen a steady rise—from an uncertain spell at Newcastle United to becoming a reliable force at Porto, excelling at Marseille, and now continuing his fine form at Lille.