DR Congo line up 12 new dual nationals after historic World Cup

DR Congo are preparing to introduce a group of up to 12 new dual nationals during the first international window following their historic 2026 World Cup campaign.

The Leopards reached the knockout stage of a World Cup for the first time in their history. However, head coach Sebastien Desabre had already indicated before the tournament that the post-World Cup period would be used to refresh and broaden his squad.

According to Leopardsfoot, 12 players are included in the expanded list being considered by the Congolese national team.

DR Congo are scheduled to host Equatorial Guinea on 24 September before travelling to South Africa to face Zimbabwe four days later. They will then play two friendlies against Uganda in South Africa at the beginning of October.

Several of the potential additions had already made their international intentions clear. Kevin Pedro of Saint-Etienne, Jordy Makengo of Freiburg, Willy Kambwala of Como, Noah Mbamba of Lorient and Ezechiel Banzuzi of Leipzig are all expected to make their first appearances in the Leopards squad.

The move would give the federation an opportunity to secure the international futures of several young players regarded as having significant potential. Afimico Pululu is also expected to return to the national team. The forward, now with Al-Hazem after impressing with his goalscoring record in Poland, will have another chance to persuade Desabre of his value.

The most notable potential additions, however, are elsewhere.

Stanis Idumbo is reportedly among those provisionally selected. The winger has started every match for Monaco this season and was still representing Belgium Under-21s as recently as March.

Junior Kadile is also included among the possible new faces. The attacking midfielder joined Lens on loan from Servette after an impressive season.

The international choices of Stephy Mavididi and Anthony Musaba are likely to attract particular attention. Mavididi, now 28, had for a long time hoped to represent England. His late decision to join DR Congo could therefore be viewed as a change in direction made later in his career.

Musaba has similarly kept his international options open, including the Netherlands, where he grew up. Both players are initially expected to be involved in the friendly matches against Uganda.

Jorthy Mokio, one of Ajax’s highly rated young players, is also part of the group under consideration. The Belgian-Congolese defender has chosen DR Congo but is not believed to be eligible for an official international match at this stage. His first appearances could therefore come in the friendlies.

The final list will determine how many of the reported preselected players are called up. The information has yet to be confirmed, and not every player on the expanded list will necessarily receive a place in the squad.

Nevertheless, the direction of Desabre’s project is clear. After building the team that took DR Congo back to the World Cup and guided them to a historic achievement, the coach is now preparing what could become the second generation of the Leopards.