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Democratic Republic of Congo has named a strong and diverse squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, with high-profile inclusions such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Yoane Wissa signaling renewed ambition for the Leopards on the global stage.
Wan-Bissaka, a defender for West Ham United, was born in England and previously represented the country at Under-21 level. He switched international allegiance to DR Congo in August 2025 and has since earned nine caps. His inclusion adds defensive experience and top-level European exposure to the squad.
Wissa, currently playing for Newcastle United, returns to the national setup after missing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Despite a challenging season affected by injuries and inconsistent form, he remains a key attacking option.
Key Returns and Squad Depth
Head coach Sébastien Desabre has also recalled veteran midfielder Gaël Kakuta, bringing experience to a squad that blends youth and international pedigree.
Defensively, the team includes players such as Axel Tuanzebe, while midfield options feature Edo Kayembe and Noah Sadiki, offering both creativity and physical presence.
However, there are setbacks. Defender Rocky Bushiri has withdrawn due to a suspected Achilles injury and has been replaced by Aaron Tshibola.
A Challenging Group Stage
DR Congo faces a demanding group at the tournament, drawn alongside Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan.
The competition presents a significant test for a team seeking to make a strong impression on its return to the World Cup stage.
A Long-Awaited Return
The country last appeared at the World Cup in 1974 under the name Zaire. That campaign ended without a win, including a heavy defeat to Yugoslavia, but it remains a historic milestone in Congolese football.
Moments from that tournament, such as Mwepu Ilunga’s famous free-kick incident against Brazil, have become part of World Cup folklore.
A New Chapter for the Leopards
This latest squad reflects both continuity and evolution within Congolese football. With players competing across Europe’s top leagues and a growing pool of talent, expectations are cautiously rising.
For DR Congo, this World Cup is more than just participation. It is an opportunity to redefine its global football identity and demonstrate progress on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
Across Africa, football continues to unite nations and showcase emerging talent to the world. DR Congo’s journey reflects a broader continental rise, where investment, diaspora talent, and experience are gradually shaping stronger, more competitive teams. The path forward may be challenging, but the direction is clear. African football is growing, and its global impact continues to expand.
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