The Democratic Republic of Congo stands on the precipice of footballing history after head coach Sébastien Desabre unveiled the squad tasked with ending the nation’s 52-year World Cup exile.
The Leopards face a decisive intercontinental play-off, with a single victory now separating them from their first FIFA World Cup appearance since 1974.
Desabre, the French tactician credited with the side’s resurgence, has opted for a “strength-in-depth” approach.
His selection is headlined by the return of Newcastle United’s forward Yoane Wissa, alongside a defensive unit bolstered by the inclusion of Dylan Batubinsika and Jeremy Ngakia.
DR Congo secured their spot in this final hurdle following a dramatic victory over Nigeria in the African play-off final in Morocco last November.
That win ignited hope across Kinshasa and beyond that the five-decade wait to join football’s elite might finally be over.
To navigate this final test, Desabre has blended seasoned veterans with Premier League and European pedigree.
Captain Chancel Mbemba leads the backline, supported by the versatile Axel Tuanzebe and former West Ham man Arthur Masuaku.
In the middle of the park, the trio of Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, and Charles Pickel provide the tactical balance required for high-stakes knockout football.
While Wissa’s return provides the headlines, the Leopards boast significant depth with Theo Bongonda, Meshack Elia, and the clinical Cedric Bakambu.
Since his appointment, Desabre has modernised the Leopards’ tactical setup, moving away from a purely reactive style to a more assertive, active game.
The inclusion of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Grady Diangana suggests a desire to exploit pace on the flanks—a strategy that proved effective during their qualifying campaign.
For many Congolese fans, the 1974 tournament in West Germany remains a distant, black-and-white memory.
This current squad, peppered with talent from Europe’s top tiers, represents the best opportunity in generations to put the DRC back on the map.
Below is the squad:
Goalkeepers: Timothé Fayulu, Lionel Mpasi-Nzau, Mathieu Epolo
Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Jeremy Ngakia, Joris Kayembe, Arthur Masuaku, Steve Kapuadi, Rocky Bushiri, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, Dylan Batubinsika
Midfielders: Noah Sadiki, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, Ngala Mukaou, Charles Pickel, Nathanael Mbuku, Brian Silbenga, Grady Diangana, Meshack Elia, Theo Bongonda
Forwards: Fiston Mayele, Cedric Bakambu, Simon Banza, Yoane Wissa
