Story perspectives

DR Congo Names 2026 World Cup Squad, Faces Portugal

5/19/2026

Summary

Congo Announces Squad

DR Congo announced its 2026 World Cup squad, opening Group K against Portugal on June 17.
Head coach Sébastien Désabre retained captain Chancel Mbemba (Lille) and defenders Arthur Masuaku (Lens) and Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham).
Midfield selections were Noah Sadiki (Sunderland), Ngal’ayel Mukau (Lille), Samuel Moutoussamy and Charles Pickel.
The attack features Yoane Wissa (Newcastle), vice-captain Cédrick Bakambu (Real Betis), striker Fiston Mayele (Pyramids FC) and Simon Banza, while winger Brian Cipenga earned a spot after his set-piece impact in the qualifying playoffs.

Summary

Mokio Barred

Rules bar 18-year-old Ajax Jorthy Mokio from DR Congo squad until 2028 after switching from Belgium.
Coach Sébastien Desabre said World Cup roster will not be a testing ground, while Gaël Kakuta earned a recall after limited minutes with Greek side AEL, marking his second World Cup involvement.
Leopards open Group K vs Portugal in Houston on June 17, face Colombia in Zapopan on June 23 and Uzbekistan in Atlanta on June 27.

Summary

DR Congo Qualifies

Axel Tuanzebe scored a 100th-minute winner against Jamaica, securing DR Congo’s World Cup spot.
The Leopards finished second in their African group, two points behind Senegal, becoming the second-best runner-up.
Captain Chancel Mbemba scored an injury-time goal versus Cameroon, then converted the winning penalty against Nigeria, helping DR Congo bypass early playoffs, enter the final inter-confederation match and end a 52-year World Cup absence since 1974.

Summary

Congo Secures Spot

Congo qualified for the World Cup, ending decades of disappointment according to supporters.
Coach Desabre’s emphasis on tactical discipline revived a fanbase eager for elite competition.
The squad’s participation in European leagues highlights African football’s evolution since 1974.
Local media note that the World Cup could unite the nation and mark a new football era.

History

Historical Context

Zaire became the first Sub-Saharan African nation to reach a World Cup in 1974, in a 24-team tournament, losing all three games by a 0-14 goal margin after winning the African Cup that March. After a 52-year gap, Desabre’s DR Congo side, led by captain Chancel Mbemba, qualified for 2026, reviving the historic breakthrough.

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Congo Announces Squad

DR Congo announced its 2026 World Cup squad, opening Group K against Portugal on June 17.
Head coach Sébastien Désabre retained captain Chancel Mbemba (Lille) and defenders Arthur Masuaku (Lens) and Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham).
Midfield selections were Noah Sadiki (Sunderland), Ngal’ayel Mukau (Lille), Samuel Moutoussamy and Charles Pickel.
The attack features Yoane Wissa (Newcastle), vice-captain Cédrick Bakambu (Real Betis), striker Fiston Mayele (Pyramids FC) and Simon Banza, while winger Brian Cipenga earned a spot after his set-piece impact in the qualifying playoffs.

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