DR Congo head coach Sébastien Desabre has selected a 25-man squad for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff against Cameroon. The decisive match will take place in Morocco this month.
Dubbed “The Leopards,” DR Congo will face Cameroon’s “Indomitable Lions” on November 13. The semi-final clash will occur at Rabat’s El Barid Stadium. This forms part of a four-team playoff tournament.
The victorious team will advance to face either Nigeria or Gabon. That final matchup comes just four days later. The ultimate prize is a spot in next year’s FIFA intercontinental playoffs in Mexico.
Desabre’s selection primarily features Europe-based professionals. Fiston Mayele of Egypt’s Pyramids FC stands as the sole Africa-based player. Three Belgian-born newcomers received their maiden senior call-ups.
The debutants include 21-year-old Anderlecht captain Mario Stroeykens. Celtic winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Standard Liège goalkeeper Matthieu Epolo complete the trio. Epolo recently featured for Belgium’s U-21 squad.
Several experienced players return to the national setup. The list includes Premier League defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Arthur Masuaku, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, and Cedric Bakambu also feature.
Newcastle United’s Yoane Wissa remains absent due to injury. The forward suffered a posterior cruciate ligament tear in September. This occurred during DR Congo’s vital qualifier against Senegal.
DR Congo narrowly missed direct World Cup qualification last month. They needed Senegal to drop points on the final matchday. But Senegal’s 4-0 win over Mauritania secured top spot.
This left Desabre’s team in second place. They achieved this despite beating Sudan 1-0. The playoff now offers another qualification pathway.
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