Sébastien Desabre has announced a 26-player squad for the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s national team, the Leopards, who will compete in the upcoming 2026 World Cup. The tournament will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The squad list was revealed on Monday, 18 May.
Notably, the selection has drawn attention due to the exclusion of key players such as Afimico Pululu and Michel-Ange Balikwisha. This decision marks a significant moment as the country prepares to make its mark on the international stage.
The complete squad is categorized into three sections: goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards. The goalkeepers include T. Fayulu, L. Mpasi, and M. Epolo. The defensive line features A. Wan-Bissaka, G. Kalulu, J. Kayembe, A. Masuaku, S. Kapuadi, R. Bushiri, A. Tuanzebe, C. Mbemba, and D. Batubinsika.
In the midfield, N. Sadiki, S. Moutoussamy, E. Kayembe, N. Mukau, C. Pickel, N. Mbuku, B. Cipenga, M. Elia, T. Bongonda, and G. Kakuta have been selected. The forward positions will be represented by F. Mayele, C. Bakambu, S. Banza, and Y. Wissa.