DR Congo World Cup 2026 Squad: Full 26-Man Roster, Mbemba's Leopards Enter Group K

Sébastien Desabre announced DR Congo’s 26-man squad on May 11, 2026 — among the first nations to confirm their roster. The Leopards return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when they competed as Zaire. That 52-year gap is the central storyline: a nation with deep footballing talent but decades of administrative dysfunction has finally returned to the global stage. Group K pairs them with Portugal (Ronaldo’s record sixth World Cup), Colombia (Luis Díaz, James Rodríguez), and Uzbekistan (Asian qualifier) — a group where third place and possible advancement is the realistic target.

Confirmed 26-man squad

Goalkeepers

Defenders

Midfielders

Forwards

Key inclusions

Yoane Wissa — the Premier League threat. Wissa returns after a knee injury kept him out of AFCON. His move to Newcastle United elevated his profile: 12 Premier League goals in 2025-26, elite pressing numbers, and the versatility to play across the front three. At 29, he is DR Congo’s most dangerous attacker — the player most likely to create something from nothing against Portugal and Colombia.

Chancel Mbemba — the captain and leader. Mbemba is the squad’s most experienced player (78 caps) and the defensive organizer. His season at Lille in Ligue 1 kept him sharp against top competition. At 31, he is in his prime as a center-back — physical in the tackle, dominant in the air, and comfortable bringing the ball out of defense. He will need to be exceptional against Portugal’s Ronaldo and Colombia’s Luis Díaz.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka — the dual-national recruit. Wan-Bissaka’s switch from England (where he earned 2 caps) to DR Congo was one of the most significant eligibility decisions of the cycle. His one-on-one defending is elite — among the best in the Premier League — and he gives DR Congo a genuine shutdown option against the group’s elite wingers. His attacking limitations are well-documented, but Desabre’s system won’t ask him to overlap frequently.

Cédric Bakambu — the veteran striker. Bakambu is 35 and playing for Real Betis in La Liga, where his minutes are limited but his experience is invaluable. With 52 caps and goals across four continents (Europe, Asia, Africa, South America), he provides a reference point in attack that complements Wissa’s movement. This is almost certainly his final international tournament.

Notable omissions

Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens — eligibility dispute. Both players were named in Nigeria’s FIFA complaint regarding eligibility irregularities. Desabre omitted them from the final squad to eliminate any risk of a points deduction or legal challenge. Their absence weakens DR Congo’s attacking depth but eliminates uncertainty.

Gaël Kakuta — The former Chelsea prospect and long-time Leopards playmaker was not selected. At 34, his international career appears over.

Tactical outlook

Desabre’s 4-2-3-1 is built on defensive organization and rapid counter-attacks through the wide players. The midfield double-pivot of Moutoussamy (experience) and one of Pickel or Kayembe (energy) is tasked with shielding the back four and launching transitions. Wan-Bissaka’s defensive security at right-back allows the left-back (Masuaku or Kayembe) to push higher and create overloads on the left.

The attack runs through Wissa — he will start from the left but drift centrally, with Bongonda providing width on the right and Bakambu or Mayele as the central striker. Set pieces are a genuine weapon: Mbemba and Bushiri are aerial threats, and Masuaku’s delivery is accurate.

Against Portugal, DR Congo will play a low block and look to frustrate — the template is Morocco’s 2022 semi-final run, not an open contest. Against Colombia, the physical matchup is more even, and DR Congo’s pace in transition could cause problems. The Uzbekistan match on June 25 is the target: three points and a chance at third-place qualification.

Group K outlook

DR Congo’s path: Portugal is a free hit — anything other than a heavy defeat is acceptable. Colombia is the swing match: if DR Congo can keep it tight and frustrate James Rodríguez’s creativity, a point is possible. Uzbekistan must be three points. Target: 3-4 points (beat Uzbekistan, draw with Colombia or keep goal difference manageable against Portugal), advancing as a third-place qualifier.

Fan planning links

• Group K Analysis — Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia
• World Cup 2026 Squad Tracker — All 48 Teams
• Philadelphia Matchday Guide — Lincoln Financial Field
• Kansas City Matchday Guide — Arrowhead Stadium

Sources checked

• Congolese Federation of Football Association (FECOFA) — official 26-man squad, May 11, 2026
• OneFootball, Foot-Afrique, ESPN — squad reporting, playoff qualification
• transfermarkt — player age, caps, club data as of May 2026