DR Congo unveils list for 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs

The Democratic Republic of Congo national team have unveiled a 25-man squad ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoffs against Cameroon, in Rabat, Morocco on November 13.

 

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Head coach Sébastien Desabre has assembled a team featuring a mix of Europe-based stars and emerging talents as Les Léopards push to secure the continent ticket to the intercontinental qualifier playoffs

The squad includes names as Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham United), Chancel Mbemba (Lille), Theo Bongonda (Spartak Moscow), and Cédric Bakambu (Real Betis).

Pyramids striker Fiston Mayele makes squad

Also, in midfield, Desabre has opted for energy and creativity with Samuel Moutoussamy, Charles Pickel, Michaël Balikwisha, and Edo Kayembe all earning call-ups.

Fiston Mayele of Pyramids FC in Egypt remains the only Africa-based player in Les Léopards squad.

A win for DR Congo will see them face either Nigeria’s Super Eagles or Gabon in the final of the playoffs.

The winner in the final will then proceed to take part in the Intercontinental playoffs in Mexico in March 2026.

DR Congo has only featured at one World Cup and that was at Germany 1974, where they were the first sub-Saharan African nation to represent the continent at the World Cup finals. Known then as Zaire, they lost all their three group matches with Yugoslavia (9-0), Brazil (3-0) and Scotland (2-0).