The waiting is over and the decisions have been made. DR Congo head coach Sebastien Desabre has officially submitted the final, locked-in 26-man roster to FIFA ahead of the tournament opener. Competing out of Group K, this collection of players carries the hopes of the nation onto the world stage.
With the squad finalized and training camp underway, we have broken down the official roster, analyzed how the positional depth charts shake out, and mapped out the predicted opening-match starting lineup based on the manager’s tactical preferences.
2026 DR Congo World Cup Roster
The 2026 DR Congo World Cup Roster was confirmed on May 18, 2026, when Sebastien Desabre named his final 26. You can review the full squad list on the official FIFA squad announcements hub. Always check the latest injury news before playing fantasy or other related games for the World Cup.
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| Position | Player Name | Active Club Team | Official Roster Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Lionel Mpasi | Le Havre | Projected Starter (#1) |
| GK | Matthieu Epolo | Standard Liege | Primary Backup |
| GK | Timothy Fayulu | FC Noah | Tournament Depth / Third Keeper |
| DEF | Chancel Mbemba | Lille | Projected Starter |
| DEF | Aaron Wan-Bissaka | West Ham | Projected Starter |
| DEF | Arthur Masuaku | Lens | Projected Starter |
| DEF | Axel Tuanzebe | Burnley | Projected Starter |
| DEF | Gedeon Kalulu | Aris Limassol | Confirmed Selection / Defensive Depth |
| DEF | Joris Kayembe | Genk | Confirmed Selection / Defensive Depth |
| DEF | Dylan Batubinsika | Larisa | Confirmed Selection / Defensive Depth |
| DEF | Rocky Bushiri | Hibernian | Confirmed Selection / Defensive Depth |
| DEF | Steve Kapuadi | Widzew Lodz | Confirmed Selection / Defensive Depth |
| MID | Edo Kayembe | Watford | Projected Starter |
| MID | Ngal’ayel Mukau | Lille | Projected Starter |
| MID | Gael Kakuta | Larisa | Projected Starter |
| MID | Charles Pickel | Espanyol | Confirmed Selection / Midfield Depth |
| MID | Samuel Moutoussamy | Atromitos | Confirmed Selection / Midfield Depth |
| MID | Noah Sadiki | Sunderland | Confirmed Selection / Midfield Depth |
| MID | Brian Cipenga | Castellon | Confirmed Selection / Midfield Depth |
| MID | Nathanael Mbuku | Montpellier | Confirmed Selection / Midfield Depth |
| MID | Theo Bongonda | Spartak Moscow | Confirmed Selection / Midfield Depth |
| MID | Meschack Elia | Alanyaspor | Confirmed Selection / Midfield Depth |
| FWD | Yoane Wissa | Newcastle | Projected Starter |
| FWD | Cedric Bakambu | Real Betis | Projected Starter |
| FWD | Fiston Mayele | Pyramids FC | Projected Starter |
| FWD | Simon Banza | Al Jazira | Confirmed Selection / Attacking Depth |
DR Congo Roster Position Breakdown & Tactical Roles
Goalkeepers
- The Established #1: Lionel Mpasi occupies the starting role and will lead the defense from the back line throughout the group stage.
- The Bench Depth: Matthieu Epolo acts as the immediate primary backup option, while Timothy Fayulu provides cover as the third keeper.
Defenders
- The Defensive Foundation: The back line is anchored by Arthur Masuaku, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who are expected to command the heavy minutes.
- Tactical Cover: Gedeon Kalulu, Joris Kayembe, Dylan Batubinsika, Rocky Bushiri, and Steve Kapuadi secured their places in the final 26 to provide structural depth across the flanks and central defense.
Midfielders
- The Engine Room: Control of the pitch belongs to Edo Kayembe, Ngal’ayel Mukau, and Gael Kakuta, who will shape the possession and set the tempo.
- Sub Impact: Charles Pickel, Samuel Moutoussamy, Noah Sadiki, Brian Cipenga, Nathanael Mbuku, Theo Bongonda, and Meschack Elia provide tactical options off the bench to alter shapes or protect late-game results.
Forwards / Attackers
- The Focal Point: The attack is led by Yoane Wissa, Cedric Bakambu, and Fiston Mayele.
- The Attacking Variants: Simon Banza offer high-impact options with distinct aerial and pace-based switches.
Predicted DR Congo Starting XI: Group Stage Opener
With the 26-man roster finalized, tactical patterns indicate that DR Congo will lean on a primary 4-3-3 setup to attack their initial group stage matches. The lineup below is our projection based on current form and Sebastien Desabre’s selections; it is a prediction, not an official team sheet.
Predicted Lineup Layout
- Goalkeeper: Lionel Mpasi
- Defenders (Left to Right): Arthur Masuaku, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, Aaron Wan-Bissaka
- Midfielders: Edo Kayembe, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Gael Kakuta
- Forwards / Wingers: Yoane Wissa, Cedric Bakambu, Fiston Mayele
Note: DR Congo build their attack around Yoane Wissa, with Cedric Bakambu, Fiston Mayele, Theo Bongonda, and Meschack Elia all options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – DR Congo World Cup Roster
Is this the final DR Congo World Cup roster?
Yes. This is the official, finalized 26-man squad as submitted to and approved by FIFA for the tournament, announced by Sebastien Desabre on May 18, 2026.
Where can I track the full tournament brackets?
To see how DR Congo matches up against the rest of the field, check out our master, printable 2026 World Cup Bracket with Groups Filled In page, which includes all 12 group configurations.
Who does DR Congo play in the group stage?
DR Congo will play in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan. You can view the full DR Congo match schedule, with dates, venues, and kickoff times, on our 2026 DR Congo World Cup schedule page.
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