Yoane Wissa and Cedric Bakambu provide firepower for Congo DR as FIFA World Cup 2026 squad revealed
by Alex Lawes ·
Updated
Congo DR manager Sebastien Desabre has announced his 26-man squad for FIFA World Cup 2026.
Hibernian centre-back Rocky Bushiri has since been replaced in the squad by Kilmarnock midfielder Aaron Toshiba due to injury.
Heading to a FIFA World Cup for the first time as the Democratic Republic of Congo and for just the second time ever, having previously been known as Zaire in 1974, one of the latest qualifiers for this tournament name their 26-man squad for FIFA World Cup 2026.
Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa remains the star in this DR Congo squad, even though he wasn’t a part of their impressive CAF playoff wins against Nigeria and Cameroon as well as their eventual qualification via the Inter-Confederation Playoffs with a 1-0 victory against Jamaica.
Wissa’s strike partner Cedric Bakambu, now of Real Betis, is the vice-captain for the Leopards this summer, with a fair bit of experience peppered throughout the squad.
The man who scored the winning goal against the Jamaicans was versatile Burnley defender Axel Tuanzebe, while West Ham United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka also forms part of a solid defence that also consists of captain Chancel Mbemba and former West Ham left-back Arthur Masuaku.
In the middle of the park, Atromitos’ Samuel Moutoussamy will be essential alongside Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki, who had represented Belgium at U16, U18, U19 and U20 level.
Out-wide, former Chelsea man Gael Kakuta is a part of the squad with Spartak Moscow’s Theo Bongonda also key. They have had to make a late change to their squad with Aaron Tshibola replacing the injured Rocky Bushiri.
Former Manchester United centre-back Willy Kambwala had switched his international allegiance to Congo DR but he has missed out on the squad alongside Watford full-back Jeremy Ngakia, Elche winger Grady Diangana and Cremonese midfielder Warren Bondo.
There have also been surprise exclusions in the final third with all four of Samuel Essende, Michel-Ange Balikwisha, Jackson Muleka and Afimico Pululu missing out.
