DR Congo manager Sebastien Desabre has selected 37 players for the first international break of the 2026-27 season, with the squad split into two groups for four matches in 12 days.
The Leopards will return to action between 21 September and 6 October, two months after the 2026 World Cup. Their schedule begins with two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers before a friendly double-header against Uganda.
A first group will face Equatorial Guinea in Kinshasa on 24 September, followed by a trip to Harare to play Zimbabwe on 28 September. Those games represent the opening two rounds of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The same players have also been selected for the friendlies against Uganda on 2 and 5 October.
Six players strongly tipped for inclusion in recent days will make their first appearances in the DR Congo squad: Kevin Pedro of Saint-Etienne, Jordy Makengo of Fribourg, Willy Kambwala of Como, Noah Mbamba of Lorient, Ezechiel Banzuzi of Leipzig and Stanis Idumbo of Monaco.
Afimico Pululu of Al-Hazem has also been called up. He was included in the preliminary squad for the 2026 World Cup but did not make the final selection.
The second contingent will be without most of the senior players, who have been excused from the Uganda fixtures. The list includes Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Arthur Masuaku, Axel Tuanzebe, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Nathanael Mbuku, Brian Cipenga, Meschack Elia, Theo Bongonda, Yoane Wissa, Simon Banza and Fiston Mayele.
Mayele remains part of Desabre’s plans despite his move to Libya.
Only captain Chancel Mbemba and several established internationals will join the new arrivals in the second group. Gedeon Kalulu, Joris Kayembe, Steve Kapuadi, Dylan Batubinsika and Noah Sadiki are also included.
There are 14 newcomers in total. In addition to those named in the first group, Jorthy Mokio of Ajax, Brandon Ndezi of Dijon, formerly of France, Paris Maghoma of Norwich, formerly of England, Stephy Mavididi of Watford, Junior Kadile of Lens and Anthony Musaba of Norwich will have the opportunity to establish themselves.
The influx of younger players reflects Desabre’s intention to refresh a squad that appears to be reaching the end of a cycle.
There are also recalls in attack. Jackson Muleka of Konyaspor returns after a year away, having not been selected since October 2025. Samuel Essende of Young Boys is back after previously being left out following the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
In goal, Dimitry Bertaud returns to form a three-man unit with local goalkeeper Nathan Ndibu of Les Aigles du Congo, who receives his first call-up, and Matthieu Epolo, a member of the World Cup squad. Lionel Mpasi is unavailable because of injury.