The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s unprecedented run at the 2026 World Cup has reportedly persuaded eight dual-national players to choose the Leopards, according to the team’s manager Dodo Landu.
The Leopards reached the knockout stages for the first time in their history after ending a 52-year wait to return to the World Cup. Their progress to the round of 32 marked a significant milestone for the national side.
Landu, speaking during an appearance on RTNC 2, said eight players had decided to join the Democratic Republic of the Congo set-up. The players’ identities were not disclosed.
The team’s manager also indicated that head coach Sebastien Desabre is expected to announce an updated squad list during August.
The reports come after the Leopards produced their best-ever World Cup campaign. They began the group stage by drawing 1-1 with Portugal, before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat by Colombia.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo then secured their place in the knockout phase with a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan in their final group match.
Their tournament ended against England in the round of 32. The Leopards took an early lead in the seventh minute, but England turned the match around with two goals in an 11-minute spell, scoring in the 75th and 86th minutes to win 2-1.
That performance has raised the profile of the national team among players eligible to represent more than one country. The eight reported decisions would give Desabre further options as he prepares to update his squad.
Kambwala and Bondo situations remain unresolved
Landu also provided an update on the situations of the promising Franco-Congolese players Willy Kambwala and Warren Bondo.
Kambwala, 21, plays for Villarreal, while Bondo, 22, is with AC Milan. According to the same report, neither player has yet regularised his administrative status.
Their situations therefore remain unresolved, despite the increased interest generated by the Leopards’ World Cup campaign.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s progress in 2026 represents a notable change from their previous World Cup experiences. Before this tournament, the side had been waiting 52 years to return to football’s biggest international competition.
This time, they not only reached the finals but also moved beyond the group stage, securing a place in the round of 32 before narrowly losing to England.
With eight dual nationals reportedly ready to join and an updated squad list expected from Desabre later in August, the Leopards could now begin the next stage of their development with renewed attention on the national team.
