DR Congo World Cup 2026 Squad — All 26 Players Named by Sebastien Desabre

DR Congo's first World Cup since 1974

52 years away from the tournament. That is not just a long time in football terms. An entire generation of Congolese football fans has never seen their country at a World Cup. The fact they are here at all is the story of this squad. The biggest country in sub-Saharan Africa by population back at a World Cup after half a century. Whatever happens on the pitch, the fact of their presence deserves its own celebration. This team has given Congolese football something to be genuinely proud of.

Yoane Wissa leads the attack

Newcastle United's striker has been one of the Premier League's most consistent performers this season. Powerful, direct and clinical. He is the player who can cause real problems for any defence in this squad. Wissa is not just a workhorse — he is a player who can produce moments of genuine quality from nothing. When the ball falls to him in the box he is ruthless. DR Congo's chances of picking up results at this tournament depend heavily on whether he is firing.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka — the Premier League name that will surprise people

The West Ham defender switched allegiance from England to DR Congo and brings Premier League quality to their right back position. A genuine upgrade that most people who follow African football will not have been expecting. Wan-Bissaka is a specialist — his defensive work one-on-one is elite level. Give him a winger to mark and he will not be beaten. DR Congo defending from a position of structure and organisation could make them harder to break down than anyone expects.

Gael Kakuta gets a recall at 34

The former Chelsea youngster who journeyed through countless clubs across Europe is back in the squad after a long absence. A romantic selection for a player whose talent always promised more than his career delivered. Kakuta was talked about as one of the most exciting young midfielders in the world when he was at Chelsea as a teenager. Life took him in different directions. At 34 and back at a World Cup with DR Congo, the story has one final chapter to write.

Matthieu Epolo — the young goalkeeper to watch

Only 21 and already playing in the Premier League with Nottingham Forest. Could become one of the tournament's revelations if given a chance. Epolo has genuine talent and the composure that top-level goalkeepers need. Whether Desabre trusts him ahead of the more experienced Fayulu and Mpasi will be one of the interesting selection calls of DR Congo's campaign. The talent is there. The question is timing.

Group K — Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan

Portugal will be too strong. But the match against Uzbekistan is genuinely winnable and a draw against Colombia would be a massive achievement. DR Congo should approach this group with confidence rather than fear. They have Premier League players, Bundesliga players and players from across Europe who know how to compete at the highest level. Desabre needs to build a team identity quickly and trust the quality that is in his squad.

Who is in DR Congo's World Cup 2026 squad?

Sebastien Desabre named a 26-man DR Congo squad for World Cup 2026. Yoane Wissa leads the attack from Newcastle United. Aaron Wan-Bissaka brings Premier League quality at right back. Matthieu Epolo of Nottingham Forest is the young goalkeeper to watch.

Is Yoane Wissa in DR Congo's World Cup 2026 squad?

Yes. Yoane Wissa is in DR Congo's World Cup 2026 squad and leads the attack. The Newcastle United striker has been one of the Premier League's most consistent performers this season.

What group are DR Congo in at World Cup 2026?

DR Congo are in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan. Portugal will be too strong but the match against Uzbekistan is winnable and a result against Colombia would be a massive achievement.

When did DR Congo last play at a World Cup?

DR Congo last played at a World Cup in 1974 in West Germany, when they competed as Zaire. World Cup 2026 is their first appearance since then — 52 years away from the tournament.

Is Aaron Wan-Bissaka playing for DR Congo at World Cup 2026?

Yes. Aaron Wan-Bissaka switched international allegiance from England to DR Congo and is in the squad. The West Ham defender brings elite one-on-one defensive quality to their right back position.