The coach of DR Congo, Sébastien Desabre, has called up 26 players for the intercontinental playoffs of the 2026 World Cup, on March 31st in Guadalajara, Mexico.
The historic deadline is fast approaching for the Democratic Republic of Congo. On March 31st, in Guadalajara, Mexico, the Leopards will face the winner of the New Caledonia – Jamaica match in the final of the intercontinental playoffs for a spot in the 2026 World Cup. If the recent quarter-finalists of the 2025 AFCON succeed, it would be a return to the finals 52 years after the country’s first participation, when it was then known as Zaire. To achieve this goal, coach Sébastien Desabre has called up 26 players. On this list, in line with recent months, we note the presence of Chancel Mbemba despite his declining playing time with Lille, and key players Arthur Masuaku, Samuel Moutoussamy and Cédric Bakambu. However, there is no sign of Gaël Kakuta, who arrived last month at AEL Larissa.
The 26 Leopards:
Goalkeepers: Timothy Fayulu (Noah FC, Armenia), Lionel Mpasi (Le Havre, France), Matthieu Epolo (Standard Liège, Belgium). Defenders: Aaron Wan Bissaka (West Ham, England), Jeremy Ngakia (Watford, England), Joris Kayembe (Genk, Belgium), Arthur Masuaku (Lens, France), Steve Kapuadi (Widzew Lodz, Poland), Rocky Bushiri (Hibernian, Scotland), Axel Tuanzebe (Burnley, England), Chancel Mbemba (Lille, France), Dylan Batubinsika (AEL Larissa, Greece). Midfielders: Noah Sadiki (Sunderland, England), Samuel Moutoussamy (Atromitos, Greece), Edo Kayembe (Watford, England), Ngal’ayel Mukau (Lille, France), Charles Pickel (Espanyol Barcelona, Spain), Nathanaël Mbuku (Montpellier, France), Brian Cipenga (Castellon, Spain), Grady Diangana (Elche, Spain), Theo Bongonda (Spartak Moscow, Russia), Meschack Elia (Alanyaspor, Turkey). Forwards: Fiston Mayele (Pyramids, Egypt), Cédric Bakambu (Real Betis, Spain), Simon Banza (Al-Jazira, United Arab Emirates), Yoane Wissa (Newcastle, England).
