The leopards are the only thing that can bring a smile and hope to the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It looks clear that the Central African nation is on the verge of facing another deadly trouble after the World Health Organisation declared on Sunday that a public health emergency of international concern” due to the latest outbreak of the Ebola virus in DR Congo, as well as Uganda.
WHO revealed on Saturday that more than 80 people have been killed in the Ituri province of DR Congo, which borders Uganda to the east.
D.R. Congo, then Zaire, has not played at the World Cup since 1974 in West Germany, where they were mauled by Scotland (2-0), Yugoslavia (9-0), and Brazil (3-0) in the first group stage of the tournament.
This is the ghost Sebastien Desabre’s squad must banish to bring hope and a smile to the faces of the people suffering back home.
The 49-year-old French tactician’s squad includes the majority of the players who competed in the 2025 AFCON, where they reached the round of 16 and lost 1-0 to Algeria.
Lionel Mpasi, Desabre’s number one goalkeeper, was called up. In defence, skipper Chancel Mbemba, Aaron Wan Bissaka, Arthur Masuaku and Axel Tuanzebe will be expected to lead the team at the defence.
Sammy Moutoussamy, Noah Sadiki, and Gael Kakuta are part of the midfield. In the attack, forwards Bakambu, Fiston Mayele and Yoane Wissa are going to the World Cup with D.R. Congo.
The Leopard’s long road to the World Cup saw them beat Cameroon, Nigeria and Jamaica to win a slot. D.R. Congo in Group K will meet Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan at the World Cup.
DR Congo’s World Cup squad in full
Goalkeepers: Matthieu Epolo (Standard Liege), Timothy Fayulu (Noah), Lionel Mpasi (Le Havre).
Defenders: Dylan Batubinsika (Larisa), Rocky Bushiri (Hibernian), Gedeon Kalulu (Aris Limassol), Steve Kapuadi (Widzew Lodz), Joris Kayembe (Racing Genk), Arthur Masuaku (Racing Lens), Chancel Mbemba (Lille), Axel Tuanzebe (Burnley), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham United).
Midfielders: Theo Bongonda (Spartak Moscow), Brian Cipenga (Castellon), Meshack Elia (Alanyaspor), Gael Kakuta (Larisa), Edo Kayembe (Watford), Nathanael Mbuku (Montpellier), Samuel Moutoussamy (Atromitos), Ngal’ayel Mukau (Lille), Charles Pickel (Espanyol), Noah Sadiki (Sunderland).
Forwards: Cedric Bakambu (Real Betis), Simon Banza (Al Jazira), Fiston Mayele (Pyramids), Yoane Wissa (Newcastle United).
