DR Congo has revealed their 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as it will be playing the marquee sporting event for the first time since 1974. Head coach Sebastien Desabre has assured the fans of Congo that they will give it their all in the World Cup campaign. Chancel Mbemba will play a key role in their campaign as he is the heartbeat of their defence unit. Yoane Wissa is another fine talent who could play a massive hand in the group stage, as he has been performing well for Brentford. They do have a good core of players who have experience on the international stage, and their performance in the World Cup will be heavily dependent on this set of players.
The qualification journey of DR Congo was full of mixed experiences, with the side undergoing a rollercoaster of emotions. While they suffered a narrow heartbreaker to Algeria in the AFCON Round of 16 in January 2026, their bounce-back to win the World Cup play-offs in March was extraordinary. In the World Cup Play-Off Final, DR Congo faced a difficult challenge to overcome the might of Jamaica. But in an interesting turn of events, Congo managed to edge past Jamaica by just one goal and sealed their spot in the World Cup. They have been drawn into Group K alongside Portugal, Uzbekistan and Colombia. It wouldn’t be an easy task to get a qualification for the next round, but they could give it their all and leave the rest to fate.
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DR Congo’s Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup
Goalkeepers: Lionel Mpasi, Thimothy Fayulu, Matthieu Epolo
Defenders: Chancel Mbemba, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Alex Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Joris Kayembe, Steve Kapuadi, Aaron Tshibola, Dylan Batubinsika, Gdon Kalulu
Midfielders: Noah Sadiki, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, Ngal'ayel Mukau, Charles Pickel, Nathanael Mbuku, Brian Cipenga, Meschack Elia, Gael Kakuta
Forwards: Theo Bongonda, Fiston Mayele, Cedric Bakambu, Simon Banza, Yoane Wissa
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DR Congo would be looking to make an impact on the big stage, but they could find themselves drawn into a really difficult group to start with. Portugal and Colombia are two well-balanced sides who have more than enough talent to go into the knockout stages. Chancel Mbemba and his men will be hopeful of entertaining their fans in the World Cup, and they will already be proud of reaching this far. DR Congo will have to play out of their skin if they are to finish in the top 2 and make a strong case for themselves in the knockout stages, but it seems highly unlikely, relatively.
