More than half a century after African football first saw the DR Congo flag waved on the global stage, the Leopards are returning to the FIFA World Cup with belief, confidence and a squad capable of shaking some of the tournament’s biggest names.
When Sébastien Desabre unveiled his 26-man squad on Monday, it felt less like a routine team announcement and more like the rebirth of a football giant determined to reclaim its place among the world’s elite.
The Democratic Republic of Congo will compete at the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when the nation — then known as Zaire — became the first sub-Saharan African country ever to qualify for the tournament.
That historic achievement has lived for generations in Congolese football folklore.
Now, 52 years later, a new generation has the opportunity to create its own legacy.
Desabre’s side head into the 2026 FIFA World Cup carrying not only the hopes of one of Africa’s most passionate football nations, but also the growing belief that this team can do far more than merely participate.
Drawn in a difficult Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan, the Leopards face a demanding challenge on paper.
Yet there is a growing sense around the team that DR Congo possess enough quality, athleticism and attacking firepower to trouble even the tournament favourites.
The French coach has built a squad blending battle-tested experience with youthful energy, creating a balanced group that reflects the evolution of Congolese football in recent years.
At the heart of the defence stands captain Chancel Mbemba, whose leadership and experience remain central to the Leopards’ ambitions.
Premier League defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka brings composure and tactical discipline, while Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku and Ousmane Diomandé provide physical presence and defensive versatility.
In midfield, Franck Kessié may dominate headlines across Africa with Ivory Coast, but DR Congo’s engine room quietly boasts its own formidable quality.
Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe and Charles Pickel offer steel, work-rate and tactical balance, while rising talents Noah Sadiki and Ngal’ayel Mukau represent the future of Congolese football.
But it is in attack where the Leopards may carry their greatest threat.
Brentford forward Yoane Wissa arrives in devastating form, while Simon Banza and Cédric Bakambu bring proven goalscoring pedigree at international level.
CAF interclub sensation Fiston Mayele — who has become one of Africa’s deadliest strikers in recent seasons — adds further danger to an already explosive frontline.
The return of experienced creator Gaël Kakuta also gives Desabre valuable creativity and calmness in the final third.
For many supporters, qualification itself already represents a national triumph after decades of disappointment, instability and near misses.
Yet under Desabre, expectations have shifted dramatically.
The former Uganda coach has transformed DR Congo into one of Africa’s most tactically disciplined and organised teams, while preserving the attacking flair and physical intensity traditionally associated with Congolese football.
His work has restored confidence inside the camp and reconnected the national team with a fanbase desperate to see the Leopards compete again among football’s elite.
There is also symbolism in this return.
African football has changed profoundly since 1974. African players now dominate major European leagues, and African nations increasingly arrive at global tournaments believing they can challenge the traditional powers rather than simply make up the numbers.
DR Congo want to be part of that new era.
The Leopards are no longer travelling to the World Cup merely to relive history.
They are travelling to make new history.
And with one of the continent’s most exciting squads, growing confidence under Desabre and a nation fully behind them, the Congolese dream suddenly feels very real indeed.
DR Congo Squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Goalkeepers:
Lionel Mpasi, Timothy Fayulu, Matthieu Epolo
Defenders:
Chancel Mbemba, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Joris Kayembe, Nathan Kpauadi, Rocky Bushiri, Dylan Batubinsika, Gédéon Kalulu
Midfielders:
Noah Sadiki, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Charles Pickel, Nathanaël Mbuku, Brian Cipenga, Gaël Kakuta, Meschack Elia, Théo Bongonda
Forwards:
Fiston Mayele, Cédric Bakambu, Simon Banza, Yoane Wissa
SOURCE: CAF ONLINE
