KINSHASA — Marking an emotional, monumental return to the pinnacle of global football after a 52-year absence, the Congolese Association Football Federation (FECOFA) has officially released its definitive 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ in North America.

The Leopards are set to make their first appearance at the global finals since their historic 1974 debut as Zaire. Overseeing this legendary project is French mastermind Sébastien Desabre, who has built a fiercely resilient squad capable of standing toe-to-toe with the world's elite across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Reflecting on their dramatic path to qualification which culminated in a heart-stopping 1-0 victory over Jamaica in the FIFA Play-Off Tournament final Desabre issued a powerful statement to the fans:

"It has not been simple, but we showed resilience to reach our goal. We are proud to be going to the World Cup. There’s also a strong sense of responsibility to make a good showing of ourselves and of our country. We will give our all to make everybody proud and show the best image of the Democratic Republic of Congo."

The Group Matrix: Facing Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan

DR Congo's tournament schedule promises high-stakes drama, pitting them against structurally diverse footballing cultures. The African powerhouse will launch their campaign against European icons Portugal at the Houston Stadium on June 17, 2026.

Following their debut, the Leopards will travel to Mexico to battle South American heavyweights Colombia at the hostile Guadalajara Stadium on June 23, before wrapping up their group stage itinerary against a rising Uzbekistan side at the Atlanta Stadium on June 27.

DR Congo World Cup 2026 Fixture Schedule

Squad Architecture: Tacticians, Core Veterans, and Late Injury Swaps

Desabre's selection heavily relies on the battle-tested core that executed their successful qualification run in Mexico a month and a half ago. The defensive rearguard boasts an elite, English Premier League-tested infrastructure. Marshalling the backline is veteran captain Chancel Mbemba, beautifully paired with world-class full-backs Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe, alongside the technical crossing ability of Arthur Masuaku.

While the squad rewards consistency, Desabre has injected significant veteran intelligence into the roster. The most talked-about inclusion is creative midfielder Gaël Kakuta. Kakuta had not featured in the primary World Cup qualifiers or worn the national shirt since 2024, aside from two cameo appearances at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Similarly, right-back Gédéon Kalulu has pulled off a miraculous race against time, recovering from a major knee injury just in time to catch the plane to North America.

The squad was, however, hit by a minor blow just days after the announcement when Hibernian FC defender Rocky Bushiri sustained an unfortunate training injury, forcing his withdrawal. Desabre reacted rapidly, calling up Kilmarnock’s dynamic midfielder Aaron Tshibola as the official medical replacement to protect the team’s tactical depth.

A Terrifying Frontline: Firepower in Abundance

Opposing managers will undoubtedly lose sleep over the pure depth of DR Congo’s offensive arsenal. The Leopards possess arguably one of the most physically dominant and lethal frontlines entering the tournament.

With legendary talisman Cédric Bakambu leading the team's frontline, support will come from Brentford’s Premier League star Yoane Wissa, Braga's prolific marksman Simon Banza, and the clinical Fiston Mayele. Supported on the wings by the explosive Theo Bongonda and Meschack Elia, DR Congo possesses the precise tactical tools required to unlock elite defensive shapes via transitional counter-attacks.

The Official 26-Man Roster Breakdown

    •    Goalkeepers: Matthieu Epolo, Thimothy Fayulu, Lionel Mpasi.

    •    Defenders: Dylan Batubinsika, Gédéon Kalulu, Joris Kayembe, Steve Kapuadi, Arthur Masuaku, Chancel Mbemba, Aaron Tshibola, Axel Tuanzebe, Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

    •    Midfielders: Brian Cipenga, Meschack Elia, Edo Kayembe, Gaël Kakuta, Nathanaël Mbuku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Ngal'ayel Mukau, Charles Pickel, Noah Sadiki.

    •    Forwards: Cédric Bakambu, Simon Banza, Theo Bongonda, Fiston Mayele, Yoane Wissa.

While all team registrations remain technically provisional until FIFA validates the absolute lists on June 2, DR Congo's selected depth charts present a highly unified, physically imposing collective. Free from tactical pressure and fueled by the historic weight of a 52-year waiting period, the Leopards are entering the global showcase fully prepared to leave an indelible mark on World Cup history.