Sébastien Desabre on Monday revealed a 26-player Democratic Republic of Congo squad for the FIFA World Cup that is headlined by experienced, Europe-based names and features the surprise recall of veteran Gaël Kakuta, according to the coach’s announcement. The Leopards return to the tournament for the first time since 1974.
One of the most notable omissions is 18-year-old Jorthy Mokio. The Ghent-born utility player has made 26 Eredivisie appearances for Ajax this term and had drawn the interest of Desabre, but he was not included in the final World Cup list. Mokio made his senior debut for Belgium in March 2025 before switching his international allegiance to the DR Congo, the announcement said.
Kakuta, 34, was included despite not being called up for the intercontinental playoff against Jamaica and having been a late replacement at the Africa Cup of Nations for the injured Mario Stroeykens. Now on the books at Greek Super League side AEL, Kakuta’s career includes spells at Sevilla, Deportivo La Coruña and Racing Club de Lens, and the announcement noted he has struggled for fitness recently, logging just seven minutes of action since April 26.
Desabre largely retained the group that featured in qualifying and at AFCON, naming captain Chancel Mbemba and veterans Cédric Bakambu and Samuel Moutoussamy. Premier League representatives Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Noah Sadiki and Axel Tuanzebe — who scored the extra-time winner in the playoff victory over Jamaica — were all included. Newcastle striker Yoane Wissa, who missed the AFCON through injury and returned during the March internationals, also made the squad.
The Leopards open Group K against Portugal in Houston on June 17, face Colombia in Zapopan on June 23 and conclude against Uzbekistan in Atlanta on June 27, according to the announcement. The full 26-player roster listed three goalkeepers — Timothy Fayulu, Lionel Mpasi and Mattieu Epolo — and a mix of defenders, midfielders and attackers drawn mainly from European clubs.
