Chancel Mbemba

All-time FIFA World Cup appearances: 3

All-time FIFA World Cup goals: 0

FIFA World Cup 2026 appearances: 3

FIFA World Cup 2026 goals: 0

International appearances: 112

International goals: 7

International debut: 17 June 2012 vs Seychelles, Africa Cup of Nations qualifying 2013

Club: Lille OSC (FRA)

*data correct up to the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup 2026

Congo DR head into FIFA World Cup 2026 seeking to keep things tight and controlled as they did in their crucial CAF play-offs against Nigeria and Cameroon as well as in their FIFA Inter-Confederation play-off against Jamaica. Crucial to that, experienced centre-back Chancel Mbemba will skipper the side in North America this summer. The former Newcastle United defender, who has also represented Anderlecht, Porto and Olympique de Marseille, joined Lille last summer. Mbemba, with over 100 caps for Congo DR, is a key man in defence for The Leopards and he will be a crucial pillar within their backline across this tournament.