Congo DR have moved from qualification talk into squad talk for World Cup 2026. This page tracks the announced squad status as of May 20, 2026, the key names, group-stage fixtures and the selection questions that matter before kickoff.
Congo DR squad status
| Squad detail | Current status |
|---|---|
| Team | Congo DR |
| Coach | Sebastien Desabre |
| Announcement status | Congo DR announced a 26-player squad on 18 May 2026. |
| Group | Group K with Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan |
| Final FIFA list note | National announcements can still change before FIFA confirms final squad lists around 2 June 2026. |
Key squad story
Cedric Bakambu, Chancel Mbemba and Fiston Mayele headline the squad.
Congo DR qualified through the FIFA Play-Off Tournament after beating Jamaica.
Their group is demanding, so set pieces, centre-back defending and striker efficiency will matter.
Full announced squad list
- Goalkeepers: Lionel Mpasi, Thimothy Fayulu, Matthieu Epolo
- Defenders: Chancel Mbemba, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Alex Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Joris Kayembe, Steve Kapuadi, Rocky Bushiri, Dylan Batubinsika, Gedeon Kalulu
- Midfielders: Noah Sadiki, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, Ngal'ayel Mukau, Charles Pickel, Nathanael Mbuku, Brian Cipenga, Meschack Elia, Gael Kakuta
- Forwards: Theo Bongonda, Fiston Mayele, Cedric Bakambu, Simon Banza, Yoane Wissa
The biggest thing to watch is role clarity. A World Cup squad is not only a list of famous players: it is a minutes plan. Starters, penalty takers, set-piece takers, late substitutes, reserve goalkeepers and defensive cover all affect how far a team can go.
Group-stage fixtures
- 16 June: Colombia v Congo DR - Mexico City Stadium
- 22 June: Portugal v Congo DR - Houston Stadium
- 27 June: Congo DR v Uzbekistan - Estadio Guadalajara
Congo DR need enough points across those three matches to finish in the top two or compete strongly in the third-place race. The 48-team format gives more teams a route into the knockouts, but it also makes goal difference and late substitutions more important.
Fantasy, betting and player-watch angle
For fantasy football, the best picks are not always the most famous names. Minutes, penalty duty, clean-sheet probability, set pieces and group strength should decide the shortlist. For betting research, check licensed markets in your country and compare team progress odds with player markets before backing top scorer or award prices.
What can still change
- Injury replacements can alter the final list before the first match.
- A preliminary or expanded squad has to be cut to the permitted final size.
- Club form and late fitness tests can change the starting XI even when the squad list is known.
- Tournament roles can change after the first match if a team needs more control, pace or height.
