DR Congo — 2026 World Cup Squad

Few groups in this tournament look as forbidding as GRP K, where the Leopards must outwit Luis Diaz's Colombia and a stubborn Uzbekistan to reach the knockouts. Their hopes rest on a defence built around Chancel Mbemba, the Lille centre-back who reads danger as well as anyone, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka's recovery pace at West Ham and Arthur Masuaku's drive from left-back giving the back line genuine Premier League edge.

Going forward, the talent is real. Yoane Wissa carries Newcastle's penalty-box instinct, Cedric Bakambu offers a poacher's nous at Real Betis, and Stuttgart's Silas Katompa Mvumpa stretches defences from the left. With Gael Kakuta threading passes behind them, this is a side that wants to soak pressure and strike on the counter, trusting individual quality in transition rather than sustained possession.

The storyline is one of squandered riches finally pooled. For years the diaspora produced top-flight names who never quite clicked together; this generation, leaning on Mbemba's leadership and a sprinkling of English and German football, feels the most cohesive yet. Lionel Mpasi in goal is the unproven link, but few will relish facing the Leopards on the break.