DR Congo name 14-player squad for inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival

DR Congo head coach Zico Tumba has announced the 14 players selected to represent the country at the first FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival in Azerbaijan.

Tumba confirmed his squad on Saturday, 17 October 2026, during a news conference at Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa. The tournament will take place from 22 to 31 October, with the young Leopards preparing to face the leading national teams in their age group.

The squad was assembled following a scouting and talent-identification programme across local academies and training centres. Those involved included AC Ujana, RC Golf, Royaume du Ciel and Les Aigles du Congo.

The 14 players have been split evenly across the four areas of the team, with two goalkeepers, four defenders, four midfielders and four forwards.

The selected group is:

Goalkeepers

Suami Christian (Royal FC) Yoka Winner (FF Academy)

Defenders

Shina Charles (TP MJLC) Makela Ronel (RC Golf) Kwate Mardochee (Royaume du Ciel) Nkani Laurens (Royaume du Ciel)

Midfielders

Montingea Grace (RC Golf) Kyungu Faustin (Aryah) Mamonekene Hernest (Levons-Nous) Pelo Israel (JAC)

Forwards

Tsasa Jeremie (Novakin) Vatu Dan (AC Ujana) Lobwa Elie (Royaume du Ciel) Manzangala Elie (Les Aigles du Congo)

The tournament will provide an international platform for the country’s young players and an opportunity to showcase the work being carried out by football academies and development centres in DR Congo.

The selection also highlights the contribution of local clubs and academies to the development of the national team. Players from nine different organisations feature in the squad, while Royaume du Ciel is the most represented club with three selections.

Tumba’s team will now prepare to travel to Azerbaijan for the competition, where the 14 players will represent DR Congo at the inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival.