FIFA World Cup 2026: DRC’s potential reinforcements
Qualified for the 2026 World Cup, the DRC could strengthen its workforce. Housed in group K with Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan, the Leopards want to pass the first round. And to achieve that, they need to have a very strong team in all compartments. This could push the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA) to go and convince a few binationals, 49 days before the start of the 2026 World Cup.
Philemon MBALE · Author profile ·
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Players of Congolese origin are legion in Europe. Among them, there are those who would be real reinforcements for the Leopards in key positions. There are four of them.
Senny Mayulu
Evolving as a midfielder, Senny Mayulu can be a real boost in between plays. French U21 International, the PSG player has had a great season. If he is not an indisputable holder due to strong competition, he is in rotation and gives satisfaction. He has 33 games for 5 goals and 5 assists. The 19-year-old footballer could form a real trio in midfield with Noah Sadiki and Samuel Moutoussamy.
Jordy Makengo
Born in Saint-Denis, France, Jordy Makengo is a left-back of SC Fribourg in the German Bundesliga. Although DR Congo has two good sides like Arthur Masuaku and Joris Kayembe, the technical staff can have views on Makengo. He is young (24 years old) and has several qualities: his speed, versatility and defensive rigor. This season, the player trained at AJ Auxerre played 27 matches for an assist.
Samuel Mbangula
Revealed to Juventus, Samuel Mbangula has been playing at Werder Bremen since last summer. He joined the German club to restart after a lack of playing time in Juve. The left wing, who has scored 3 goals and 4 assists in 23 games, can be a real alternative on the offensive side. In attack, apart from Cédric Bakambu, the other attackers are far from being effective. Yoane Wissa is struggling to regain his level since his serious injury, Théo Bongonda seems to be losing speed in the national team, Fiston Mayele is struggling to win with the Leopards, Meschack Elia is more an overflow wing... So, Sébastien Desabre will need a second striker. Mbangula positions himself as being a real solution.
Dilane Bakwa
Last summer, Dilane Bakwa left Racing Club of Strasbourg for Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. At the time of review, the 23-year-old right winger scored only one goal and delivered 4 assists in 26 appearances. Yet, he is a player full of talent and DR Congo may need it. Excellent in dribbles, a precise vision of the game, and an increasing ability to be decisive through assists, the native of Créteil would be a real added value for the Leopards' attack.