The Democratic Republic of Congo has announced a 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup intercontinental playoff, signaling its readiness for the decisive fixture in Mexico later this month despite an ongoing appeal by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) questioning the eligibility of some Congolese players.
Head coach Sébastien Desabre confirmed the squad on Wednesday as the Leopards begin their final preparations for the high-stakes encounter, which offers a crucial opportunity to secure a ticket to the global tournament.
The NFF, however, has raised concerns over the procedural timeline of the call-ups. In a formal statement, Nigeria questioned why the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA) had called up several players of foreign nationality well before receiving FIFA clearance, noting that initial call-ups were made on November 1, 2025, nearly eleven days before official approval.
“It is most curious that these players were called up for such crucial play-offs prior to securing the necessary FIFA approvals,” the NFF said, calling for a formal investigation into the matter.
Despite these concerns, FIFA has not issued an official verdict. Last week, the global football body listed Congo among the teams eligible to feature in the playoffs, effectively clearing the way for the squad announcement.
The Leopards’ Squad
Goalkeepers:
Théo Fayulu (FC Noah, Armenia)
Lionel Mpasi (Le Havre, France)
Matthieu Epolo (Standard Liège, Belgium)
Defenders:
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham United, England)
Jeremy Ngakia (Watford, England)
Joris Kayembe (Genk, Belgium)
Arthur Masuaku (Lens, France)
Chancel Mbemba (Lille, France)
Axel Tuanzebe (Burnley, England)
Rocky Bushiri (Hibernian, Scotland)
Steven Kapuadi (Legia Warsaw, Poland)
Batubinsika (Larissa, Greece)
Midfielders:
Noah Sadiki (Sunderland, England)
Edo Kayembe (Watford, England)
Samuel Moutoussamy (Atromitos, Greece)
Charles Pickel (Espanyol, Spain)
Ngal’ayel Mukau (Lille, France)
Meshack Elia (Alanyaspor, Turkey)
Théo Bongonda (Spartak Moscow)
Nathanaël Mbuku (Montpellier, France)
Bryan Ssebinya (Castellón, Spain)
Grady Diangana (Elche, Spain)
Forwards:
Simon Banza (Al Jazira, UAE)
Fiston Mayele (Pyramids FC)
Cédric Bakambu (Real Betis, Spain)
Yoane Wissa (Newcastle United, England)
The Leopards’ squad reflects a mix of European-based talent and domestic league stars, underscoring FECOFA’s determination to field a competitive team. As tensions simmer over eligibility and procedural compliance, all eyes will be on Mexico, where Congo will seek to convert its preparations into a historic World Cup berth.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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