DR Congo has announced a 28-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with notable inclusions such as West Ham United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Newcastle United forward Yoane Wissa. Head coach Sebastien Desabre has crafted a selection that blends experience with ambition, as the Leopards prepare to compete on the global stage for the first time in over half a century.
Wan-Bissaka, 28, originally represented England at youth level and was even called up to the senior squad in 2019, but never made an appearance. The Croydon-born defender switched his international allegiance to DR Congo in August 2025, a decision that has since yielded nine caps. His defensive prowess and Premier League experience are expected to be vital in a group that includes Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan.
Wissa's inclusion marks a significant comeback for the striker. After a high-profile move from Brentford to Newcastle United last summer, the 28-year-old has battled form issues and injuries, leading to his omission from DR Congo's Africa Cup of Nations squad earlier this year. However, Desabre clearly believes Wissa's quality can shine through, offering a versatile attacking option alongside established forwards like Cedric Bakambu and Simon Banza.
A cloud of concern hangs over defender Rocky Bushiri, who has been named in the squad despite limping out of Hibernian’s 1-0 defeat to Motherwell last weekend with a suspected Achilles injury. The timing is worrying, as the tournament approaches, but his inclusion indicates cautious optimism from the medical staff. Bushiri has been a regular fixture in Desabre's plans, and his potential absence would be a blow to the backline.
The defensive unit also features Burnley's Axel Tuanzebe, Racing Lens' Arthur Masuaku, and Lille's Chancel Mbemba, who will provide experience and leadership. Joris Kayembe and Gedoon Kalulu add depth at full-back, while Steve Kapuadi and Dylan Batubinsika offer options in central defense. The blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talents reflects Desabre’s strategic approach to building a resilient defense.
In midfield, the squad sees the return of 34-year-old Gael Kakuta, a former Chelsea prospect who has only featured twice for DR Congo in the last two years. Kakuta’s creativity and vision could prove instrumental in unlocking opponents, provided he stays fit. Watford’s Edo Kayembe and Sunderland’s Noah Sadiki are among the younger midfield stars looking to make their mark on the world stage.
DR Congo have been drawn in Group K, a challenging assignment that pits them against 2016 European champions Portugal, South American powerhouses Colombia, and Asian underdogs Uzbekistan. The Leopards will need to be at their absolute best to progress, but the squad's composition suggests they are not merely there to make up the numbers.
The footballing world last saw DR Congo—then known as Zaire—at a World Cup in 1974 in West Germany. That tournament was historically notable for the wrong reasons: three defeats, including a 9-0 thrashing by Yugoslavia, and the infamous moment when defender Mwepu Ilunga broke from the wall to kick the ball away against Brazil, forever etching his name in World Cup folklore. This edition offers a chance at redemption.
The forward line is stacked with talent: Real Betis' Cedric Bakambu brings top-level experience, Al Jazira's Simon Banza adds physicality, and Pyramids' Fiston Mayele offers a goal-scoring threat from midfield. Wissa’s ability to play across the front three gives Desabre tactical flexibility that could trouble the best defenses.
The goalkeeping department includes Standard Liege's Matthieu Epolo, Noah's Timothy Fayulu, and Le Havre's Lionel Mpasi, each vying for the number one spot. The competition for places across the team is fierce, which should drive performance levels during the tournament.
For a nation that has long awaited another appearance on football's biggest stage, this squad represents hope and progress. The inclusion of dual-nationality players like Wan-Bissaka and Wissa underscores the growing appeal of the Leopards and the work of the federation in scouting the diaspora. Desabre has carefully balanced pragmatism with ambition, and the coming weeks will reveal whether his gamble pays off.
As preparations ramp up, all eyes will be on Bushiri's recovery and the form of the key attacking players. Based on reporting from BBC Sport.
