DR Congo set for eight dual-national additions after Leopards’ 2026 World Cup breakthrough

Eight dual-national footballers have reportedly decided to represent DR Congo after the Leopards produced the best World Cup campaign in their history.

DR Congo reached the knockout stage for the first time after returning to the World Cup for the first time in 52 years. The Leopards progressed from their group and secured a place in the round of 32, a landmark achievement for the national team.

The news was revealed by DR Congo team manager Dodo Landu during an appearance on RTNC 2. Landu said eight players had chosen to join the national team, although the identities of those players have not been disclosed.

The development is regarded as a boost for the Leopards, whose performances at the 2026 World Cup have increased the appeal of representing the national side among players eligible to play for more than one country.

Landu also indicated that head coach Sebastien Desabre is expected to announce an updated squad during August. That list could provide further clarity on the players who have committed to DR Congo and their availability for upcoming international fixtures.

The Leopards began their World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Portugal. They then suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat by Colombia before recovering to beat Uzbekistan 3-1 in their final group match.

That victory secured DR Congo’s place in the knockout phase, extending a campaign that had already marked a significant return to the global stage after more than five decades away.

Their run ended against England in the round of 32, despite DR Congo taking an early lead. The Leopards scored in the seventh minute but were eventually beaten 2-1 after conceding twice in the final stages. England struck in the 75th and 86th minutes to overturn the result.

The progress made in the United States, Canada and Mexico has now prompted renewed interest from promising Franco-Congolese players. However, Landu said the administrative situations of Willy Kambwala and Warren Bondo have not yet been regularised.

Kambwala, aged 21, plays for Villarreal, while 22-year-old Bondo is with AC Milan. Both players remain among the dual nationals being watched by DR Congo, but neither has completed the necessary administrative process according to the information provided by Landu.

The expected August squad announcement should therefore be an important moment for Desabre as he seeks to build on the Leopards’ unprecedented World Cup campaign and strengthen the team with new dual-national options.

For now, the reported commitment of eight players represents the clearest indication yet that DR Congo’s historic performance has enhanced the standing of the national team among eligible footballers.