Congo DR World Cup 2026 Squad Adds Wissa And Kakuta

Congo DR World Cup 2026 squad planning has moved into focus after a provisional 26-man list named Yoane Wissa, Gael Kakuta, Cedric Bakambu, and Chancel Mbemba. The DR Congo national team enters its Group L build with attacking depth, experienced defenders, and one notable midfield return. The selection gives the Leopards a clear spine before matches against Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan.

The update matters for World Cup 2026 because Congo DR have a demanding route from the first whistle. Portugal bring elite possession control, Colombia add transition speed, and Uzbekistan offer structure. Sebastien Desabre now has to balance star power with match-specific discipline.

Wissa, Bakambu, Kakuta, And Mbemba Shape The Core

Yoane Wissa gives Congo DR a Premier League-level forward who can press, run channels, and attack loose balls. Cedric Bakambu adds tournament experience and penalty-box movement. Their combined profile gives the coach two different ways to attack Group L games.

Gael Kakuta returns as one of the most interesting names in the selection. He has not carried a steady international run in recent months, yet his left-footed creativity still gives Congo DR a different final-third option. His role may depend on fitness, rhythm, and opponent pressure.

Chancel Mbemba anchors the defensive group with leadership and major-match experience. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Alex Tuanzebe add Premier League pedigree to the wider defensive pool. Arthur Masuaku and Joris Kayembe give the squad natural width from the back line.

Gedeon Kalulu returns after a major knee injury, which strengthens the depth picture. Rocky Bushiri withdrew through injury, so Aaron Tshibola moved into the list. That change makes central balance one of the squad stories to watch.

Position	Players Named
Goalkeepers	Lionel Mpasi, Thimothy Fayulu, Matthieu Epolo
Defenders	Chancel Mbemba, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Alex Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Joris Kayembe, Steve Kapuadi, Aaron Tshibola, Dylan Batubinsika, Gedeon Kalulu
Midfielders	Noah Sadiki, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, Ngal-ayel Mukau, Charles Pickel, Nathanael Mbuku, Brian Cipenga, Meschack Elia, Gael Kakuta
Forwards	Theo Bongonda, Fiston Mayele, Cedric Bakambu, Simon Banza, Yoane Wissa

Group L Starts With The Portugal Test

Congo DR open Group L against Portugal on June 17 in Houston. That fixture gives the squad no soft entry point because Portugal can stretch teams through midfield rotations and wide overloads. A compact first half may matter as much as attacking ambition.

The second match against Colombia on June 23 in Guadalajara could decide the group path. Colombia can punish loose buildup quickly, so Congo DR need clean rest defence after attacks. The final group match against Uzbekistan on June 27 in Atlanta may carry knockout pressure.

The Group L – FIFA World Cup 2026 path also rewards squad management. Congo DR cannot rely on one attacking plan across three very different opponents. Desabre may need Wissa wide in one match, central support in another, and Bakambu as a penalty-area reference.

Set pieces also become a major route. Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Bakambu, and Wissa all give the team physical presence. If Congo DR defend their box well, dead-ball moments can keep them close against higher-ranked teams.

Why The Provisional List Still Needs Careful Reading

A provisional list gives the public a strong picture, but it does not remove late selection risk. Fitness checks, club workloads, and tactical choices can still shape the final matchday group. Supporters should treat the names as the working roster until final confirmation.

The strength of the list sits in its balance. Congo DR have forwards who can attack space, defenders with top-league experience, and midfielders who can cover ground. The risk sits in control, especially when opponents force long defensive spells.

Kakuta gives the squad a creative ceiling if he reaches match rhythm. Wissa offers the clearest high-level attacking form. Mbemba gives the defensive unit its most reliable voice.

The Leopards will not need perfect football to survive Group L. They need clean transitions, disciplined spacing, and a strong start against Portugal. The squad now looks capable of making that plan competitive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the biggest names in the Congo DR World Cup 2026 squad?

Yoane Wissa, Cedric Bakambu, Gael Kakuta, and Chancel Mbemba are the headline names. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Alex Tuanzebe also add major defensive experience.

Which group is Congo DR in at World Cup 2026?

Congo DR are in Group L with Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan. Their group schedule starts against Portugal on June 17.

Why is Gael Kakuta selection important?

Kakuta gives Congo DR a creative left-footed option between midfield and attack. His match rhythm will shape how much he can influence the group stage.

Who replaced Rocky Bushiri in the squad?

Aaron Tshibola moved into the provisional list after Rocky Bushiri withdrew through injury. That change affects Congo DR depth in central areas.

Congo DR now have a squad with enough experience to trouble Group L, but their knockout chance depends on control under pressure.