DR Congo name experienced squad for historic 2026 World Cup return

DR Congo coach Sébastien Desabre has named a largely unchanged 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, recalling Congolese midfielder Gaël Kakuta while leaving out Ajax youngster Jorthy Mokio for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The Leopards are preparing for their first World Cup appearance in 52 years and will face Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan in Group K. With the tournament approaching, Desabre has chosen continuity over experimentation, sticking closely to the group that reached the Round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The French coach had already hinted that there would be few surprises in his selection, and the final squad reflected that approach. No new players were introduced as DR Congo continue with a core group that has been together through recent international competitions.

Among the notable returns is Congolese playmaker Gaël Kakuta, who missed the March international window after previously featuring at the AFCON.

Gédéon Kalulu also returns after recovering from injury, while Congolese forward Yoane Wissa comes back into the squad after missing the Africa Cup of Nations campaign.

Wissa replaces Samuel Essende in one of the few changes made by Desabre. The Newcastle winger returned to action during DR Congo’s intercontinental play-off victory over Jamaica in March, a match the Leopards won 1-0 after extra time.

Several experienced names were also included in the squad, with Congolese striker Cédric Bakambu joined by Congolese defender Chancel Mbemba, English-Congolese defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, English-Congolese defender Axel Tuanzebe and Congolese midfielder Noah Sadiki.

One of the major talking points surrounding the squad announcement was the absence of Ajax midfielder Jorthy Mokio, who recently committed his international future to DR Congo.

Supporters had hoped the former Belgian youth international would be included for the World Cup, but Desabre explained that the player is not yet eligible.

“We are seeing that the team is becoming increasingly attractive; we even have players who are willing to wait three years to join us,” Desabre remarked in the video published by the Congolese Football Federation.

Before beginning their World Cup campaign, the Leopards are scheduled to play two friendly matches. DR Congo will face Denmark on 3 June in Liège before taking on Chile on 9 June in Marbella as preparations continue for their long-awaited return to football’s biggest stage.