DR Congo World Cup 2026 Squad Names Wissa And Mbemba
The DR Congo World Cup 2026 squad has been confirmed, with Yoane Wissa, Chancel Mbemba, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe in Sébastien Desabre’s 26-man list. The DR Congo national team return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when the country competed as Zaire. World Cup 2026 now gives the Leopards a Group K route against Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan.
The selection keeps a strong European-league core around Desabre’s qualifying group. Mbemba gives the defence a captain and record-cap leader, while Wissa gives the attack Premier League movement. The return also carries historical weight because DR Congo spent 52 years away from the finals.
DR Congo Final Squad Has A European-League Core
Desabre named three goalkeepers, nine defenders, nine midfielders and five forwards. Lionel Mpasi, Timothy Fayulu and Matthieu Epolo cover the goalkeeping group. The defence includes Mbemba, Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku and Rocky Bushiri, giving DR Congo several players with high-level club experience.
The midfield group mixes ball carriers, runners and wide players. Edo Kayembe, Charles Pickel and Noah Sadiki can help protect the central spaces. Gaël Kakuta, Meschak Elia and Nathanael Mbuku give the squad creative options around the forward line.
| Position | Players And Clubs |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Lionel Mpasi (Le Havre), Timothy Fayulu (Noah), Matthieu Epolo (Standard Liège) |
| Defenders | Chancel Mbemba (Lille), Arthur Masuaku (Lens), Gedeon Kalulu (Aris Limassol), Joris Kayembe (Genk), Dylan Batubinsika (AEL), Axel Tuanzebe (Burnley), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham United), Rocky Bushiri (Hibernian), Steve Kapuadi (Widzew Łódź) |
| Midfielders | Meschak Elia (Alanyaspor), Samuel Moutoussamy (Atromitos), Edo Kayembe (Watford), Charles Pickel (Espanyol), Gaël Kakuta (AEL), Noah Sadiki (Sunderland), Nathanael Mbuku (Montpellier), Ngal’ayel Mukau (Lille), Brian Cipenga (Castellón) |
| Forwards | Cédric Bakambu (Real Betis), Théo Bongonda (Spartak Moscow), Fiston Mayele (Pyramids), Yoane Wissa (Newcastle United), Simon Banza (Al Jazira) |
The forward group gives Desabre several match plans. Wissa can run behind defenders, Bakambu brings penalty-box experience, and Mayele offers a different physical profile. Banza and Bongonda give the staff extra routes when DR Congo need late pressure or wider attacks.
The biggest selection signal is continuity. Desabre has trusted many players who carried the qualification run and intercontinental play-off campaign. That keeps the dressing room stable before a group where one strong result can change the table.
Group K Starts With Portugal In Houston
DR Congo open against Portugal on June 17 in Houston. That first match gives the Leopards their hardest technical test straight away. Portugal will expect more possession, so Desabre needs his wide players and full-backs to choose their attacking moments with care.
The second match comes against Colombia on June 24 at Estadio Akron in Zapopan. Colombia can press, counter and attack through strong wide players, so DR Congo cannot leave Wissa isolated. The third group game against Uzbekistan on June 28 in Atlanta could become the qualification decider if the first two matches stay close.
| Date | Fixture | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| June 17, 2026 | Portugal vs DR Congo | Houston Stadium |
| June 24, 2026 | Colombia vs DR Congo | Estadio Akron |
| June 28, 2026 | DR Congo vs Uzbekistan | Atlanta Stadium |
The 48-team format gives DR Congo a real path if they finish third with enough points. A win against Uzbekistan may put them into the best third-place conversation. A draw against Portugal or Colombia would raise the ceiling and reduce pressure before the final match.
Desabre’s tactical challenge is clear. He needs defensive compactness without turning the team into a low block for 90 minutes. DR Congo have enough ball carriers to break pressure, but the midfield must stay connected when opponents force long spells without possession.
Wissa And Mbemba Shape The Tournament Ceiling
Wissa gives DR Congo their most direct attacking weapon. He can attack channels, press centre-backs and create space for Bakambu or Mayele. If Wissa receives early passes in transition, DR Congo can hurt teams that push their full-backs high.
Mbemba gives the squad its strongest leadership reference. His experience across Portugal, France and international football helps a team returning to the World Cup after a long absence. He also gives Desabre an aerial presence on both defensive and attacking set pieces.
Wan-Bissaka and Tuanzebe add another storyline after switching international allegiance from England. Their inclusion gives DR Congo Premier League-tested defensive options. It also shows how the squad has grown through diaspora depth as well as domestic identity.
The omissions create debate, yet the final list looks built for immediate tournament function. Desabre chose players who can handle physical matches, defend the box and counter with pace. That profile fits a Group K campaign where DR Congo may not dominate the ball.
Frequently Asked Questions
DR Congo arrive with a balanced squad, a clear captain and enough attacking speed to threaten Group K opponents. Their tournament will depend on whether Desabre can turn transition moments into points.
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