World Cup: DR Congo coach Desabre sticks with qualifying heroes in final list

After scrapping their way through the African regional qualifying playoff as well as the inter-continental playoff, DR Congo have announced the group of players who will lead the nation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

🚨 🇨🇩 Liste de la RD Congo pour la Coupe du Monde 2026 🌍#RDC #Leopards #WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/tzFAbaPUoT

— Match360 (@Match360TV) May 18, 2026

Battle-tested defenders gives Leopards a strong spine at World Cup

Head coach Sebastien Désabre depended on his resilient and strong defense to qualify and many familiar names will lead the Leopards defense in North America. 

Captain Chancel Mbemba (Lille) will be involved as well as fellow experienced players including left back Arthur Masuaku (Lens), right back Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham United) and inter-continental playoff hero Axel Tuanzebe (Burnley). Hibernian defender Rocky Bushiri has shaken off a knock to be included in the final squad.

Young superstar Noah Sadiki of Sunderland is the midfield anchor, with Lille player Ngal’ayel Mukau another promising young option. Veteran player Samuel Moutoussamy is another experienced player in the center of the pitch as well as Désabre favorite Charles Pickel.

Another hero from the Congolese triumph in the qualifying playoffs, Brian Cipenga, is included after the Spanish-based winger impressed with his set piece deliveries at crucial moments. Meschack Elia, Thèo Bongonda, Nathanaël Mbuku and 34-year-old Gaël Kakuta are all attacking midfielders with a flair for the spectacular on their best days.

Newcastle forward Yoane Wissa is now healthy at a crucial moment to lead the attacking line along with long time squad member Cédrick Bakambu, the Real Betis player who will serve as the team’s vice-captain. Pyramids FC striker Fiston Mayele is included as well as Simon Banza, a prolific goal scorer in his club career who has been selected despite having yet to impress in the Leopards shirt.

The Leopards are in Group K at the World Cup finals and will commence action against Portugal on June 17 before clashing against Colombia and Uzbekistan.