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The head coach of the DR Congo national team, Sebastien Desabre, has named his squad for this month’s 2026 World Cup intercontinental playoffs.
Newcastle United’s Yoane Wissa is back after missing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The others making a return to the squad are Dylan Batubinsika, Jeremy Ngakia and Grady Diangana.
The Leopards booked their spot in the intercontinental playoffs, after beating Nigeria via penalties in the final of the African playoffs last November.
Howver, DR Congo’s participation in the intercontinental playoffs had been in doubt, after the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, submitted a complaint to FIFA.
The NFF claimed that the Congolese fielded ineligible players against the Super Eagles and demanded they are removed from the playoffs.
However, FIFA last week confirmed DR Congo’s schedule for the playoffs, while remaining silent on Nigeria’s appeal.
FULL SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Timothé Fayulu, Lionel Mpasi-Nzau, Mathieu Epolo
Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Jeremy Ngakia, Joris Kayembe, Arthur Masuaku, Steve Kapuadi, Rocky Bushiri, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, Dylan Batubinsika
Midfielders: Noah Sadiki, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, Ngala Mukaou, Charles Pickel, Nathanael Mbuku, Brian Silbenga, Grady Diangana, Meshack Elia, Theo Bongonda
Forwards: Fiston Mayele, Cedric Bakambu, Simon Banza, Yoane Wissa
2026 World Cup: DR Congo names squad for playoffs as FIFA remains mum on Super Eagles
