AV Congo DR have remained one of the emergence powers in African football. The Congo DR World Cup squad 2026 is a robust and physically imposing one, with many players plying their trade in Europe and an array of home-based talent. Six days later, Yoane Wissa got the DR Congo’s first goal at a FIFA World Cup in a historic 1-1 draw against Portugal in their Group K opener, but the Leopards remain focused and full of confidence for the remainder of the group stage.
Goalkeepers
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Lionel Mpasi | Goalkeeper |
| Timothy Fayulu | Goalkeeper |
| Matthieu Epolo | Goalkeeper |
Experienced Goal-Keepers Lionel Mpasi leads the goalkeeping department while Timothy Fayulu and Matthieu Epolo also have the support. This trio secures both dependability and depth in goal.
Defenders
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Chancel Mbemba | Defender |
| Aaron Wan-Bissaka | Defender |
| Alex Tuanzebe | Defender |
| Arthur Masuaku | Defender |
| Joris Kayembe | Defender |
| Steve Kapuadi | Defender |
| Aaron Tshibola | Defender |
| Dylan Batubinsika | Defender |
| Gédéon Kalulu | Defender |
Congo DR’s defence is tall and athletic. The group includes a mixture of Premier League experience and solidity in defensive leaders like Chancel Mbemba and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and it provides decent depth across the backline.
Midfielders
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Noah Sadiki | Midfielder |
| Samuel Moutoussamy | Midfielder |
| Edo Kayembe | Midfielder |
| Ngal’ayel Mukau | Midfielder |
| Charles Pickel | Midfielder |
| Nathanael Mbuku | Midfielder |
| Brian Cipenga | Midfielder |
| Meschack Elia | Midfielder |
| Gael Kakuta | Midfielder |
The centre-midfield is an infusion of energy, technical quality, and work rate. With players like Samuel Moutoussamy and Charles Pickel, the team is balanced, while players like Gael Kakuta and Meschack Elia offer creativity and an attacking option.
Forwards
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Theo Bongonda | Forward |
| Fiston Mayele | Forward |
| Cedric Bakambu | Forward |
| Simon Banza | Forward |
| Yoane Wissa | Forward |
The frontline is both prolific and seasoned. Cedric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa offer blistering pace and a cool finishing ability while being backed up by physical and clinical Fiston Mayele and Theo Bongonda.
Key Players for Congo DR World Cup 2026
Yoane Wissa (Forward)
Congo DR have already made history by having Yoane Wissa score their first-ever goal at a FIFA World Cup, in a 1-1 draw against Portugal. We train the forward with speed, agile movement and clinical finishing. With his direct running and knack of scoring when it matters, he is always a danger and a hero when it comes to the Leopards.
Chancel Mbemba (Defender)
Captain Chancel Mbemba is the leader and the man at the defence. The experienced centre-back provides Premier League quality, a strong aerial presence, and composure when under pressure. His leadership and understanding of the game brings solidarity to the backline that makes him one of the most important players on the team.
Cedric Bakambu (Forward)
Cedric Bakambu is a strong and skilled center-forward who provides physicality and proven scoring ability. He is very good in holding play up and combining with creative midfielders. This big-game temperament makes Bakambu an important weapon in the attacking third.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Defender)
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is an extremely strong and quick defence-minded full-back with great recovery speed. His overlapping runs and crossing ability brings width to the attack. With Wan-Bissaka in particular, they at least have a player who brings Premier League pedigree and reliability to the right side of defence.
Gael Kakuta (Midfielder)
Arguably the move bringing in the most creative and technically gifted midfielder, Gael Kakuta can unlock defences with both his passing and dribbling. His vision and experience bridge the gap between midfield and attack. Kakuta brought flair and a bit of unpredictability to Congo DR’s play.
Key Strengths of Congo DR World Cup Squad 2026
The Congo DR World Cup squad 2026 is an athletic, defensively strong side that can counterattack, and it is easy to see how this team can break out into high-octane offensive plays. Possessing good depth and physical power thanks to experienced leaders such as Chancel Mbemba and attacking threats in the likes of Yoane Wissa and Cedric Bakambu. This blend allows them to compete with more powerful foes in Group K.
Congo DR World Cup 2026 Fixtures (Group Stage)
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| June 17, 2026 | Portugal 1-1 Congo DR | Houston Stadium |
| June 23, 2026 | Colombia vs Congo DR | Guadalajara Stadium |
| June 27, 2026 | Congo DR vs Uzbekistan | Atlanta Stadium |
This time Congo DR, who are in Group K together with Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan. The Leopards will want to raise their tally from their remaining matches after a hard-fought draw against Portugal.
Conclusion
Congo DR World Cup squad 2026 boasts strong Athletics and rapid players who can show grown-ups at work hereublish and take their squad into the knockouts. The squad has received a boost of confidence and momentum from their heroic 1—1 against Portugal capped off by Yoane Wissa. They have quality and grit in the likes of Chancel Mbemba, Yoane Wissa and Cedric Bakambu and definitely will make their presence felt in what looks a hard group. A determined, pride-dripping campaign in 2026 FIFA World Cup, and one that will hopefully pay great dividends of memorable moments.
