Kinshasa, May 18th, 2026 (CPA).- The list of 26 Leopards from the Democratic Republic of Congo selected for the 2026 USA-Canada-Mexico World Cup has been unveiled on Monday via the various official channels of the Congolese Football Association (Fecofa). According to sources consulted by CPA on Monday, the Leopards’ national Coach, Sebastien Desabre, has replicated almost the same squad that has participated in the qualifying rounds and the two play-off stages of this global football competition.
A first for Steve Kapwadi in the den
Thus, the most notable feature of this list was the first official inclusion of Steve Kapwadi in DRC Beasts’ squad. At the same time, the publication of this list has put an end to the numerous rumours circulating in the media regarding the call-up of other players who may or may not have expressed their desire to wear the tricolour jersey of the Congolese national team. As one might expect, it came as no great surprise that the team’s Coach, Sebastien Desabre, has placed his trust in this squad and its usual key players, prioritising stability.
This is tantamount to saying: “You don’t change a winning team”, namely the one he has built over the last three or four years and which is set to make its debut, quite clearly, at the summit of world football.
The card of stability and cohesion
Furthermore, in addition to the spirit of stability and cohesion, this squad of 26 DRC ambassadors for the US-Mexico-Canada campaign has also reflected the same intention to maintain a sense of continuity following the Leopards’ recent encouraging performances on the continental stage. In goal, Desabre has retained the trio of Timothy Fayulu, Lionel Mpasi and Mike Epolo. A hierarchy now firmly established within the Congolese squad. In defence, the more than convincing and imposing presence of Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The full-back, who is proving his worth in England’s Premier League, is one of the main attractions of this squad. Around him, Desabre has also relied on the solidity and experience of Chancel Mbemba, Masuaku and Axel Tuanzebe – a rock-solid central defensive pairing – to further strengthen the Congolese backline. In midfield, the manager has remained loyal to his trusted players, notably Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, Charles Pickel and the veteran Gael Kakuta, not forgetting Noah Sadiki and Ngal’ayel Mukau, a dynamic duo. Up front, Sebastien Desabre has opted for his usual strikers: Fiston Mayele, Cedric Bakambu, Simon Banza – who was dropped from the squad not long ago but has now made his comeback – and Yoann Wissa. It is these players, selected by Desabre who knows them better than anyone, who will bear the responsibility of driving the Congolese attack at the World Cup.
With this squad, Sebastien Desabre has clearly demonstrated, as mentioned above, his firm commitment to prioritising cohesion, stability and experience in order to enable DRC to showcase the best of its football, far superior to the performance seen in 1974 in Germany, 52 years ago.
Full list of the 26 Leopards called up
Goalkeepers: Timothy Fayulu (FC Noah in Armenia), Lionel Mpasi (Le Havre in France) and Mike Epolo (Standard Liège in Belgium). Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham in England), Gedeon Kalulu of Limassol in Greece, Joris Kayembe of Genk in Belgium, Arthur Masuaku of Lens in France, Steve Kapuadi of Widzew Łodz in Poland, Rocky Bushiri of Hibernian in Scotland, Axel Tuanzebe of Burnley in England, Chancel Mbemba of Lille in France and Dylan Batubinsika of Larissa in Greece. Midfielders: Noah Sadiki (Sunderland in England), Samuel Moutoussamy of Atromitos in Greece, Edo Kayembe of Watford in England, Ngal’Ayel Mukau of Lille in France, Charles Pickel of Espanyol in Spain, Nathanael Mbuku of Montpellier in France, Beni Cipenga of Castellon in Spain, Meschack Elia of Alanyaspor in Turkey, Theo Bongonda of Spartak Moscow in Russia and Gael Kakuta of AEL in Greece. Forwards: Fiston Mayele of Pyramids in Egypt, Cédric Bakambu of Real Betis in Spain, Simon Banza of Al Jazira in the United Arab Emirates and Yoane Wissa of Newcastle United in England.