Players who could switch nationality & represent DR Congo at World Cup 2026
DR Congo are looking to solidify their squad ahead of the competition.
Before the Leopards compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the DR Congo Football Federation (FECOFA) wants to add new dual-national talents to the team.
Thanks to a pivotal goal from Axel Tuanzebe, the two-time African champions narrowly defeated Jamaica in the intercontinental playoff final to earn their spot in the World Cup.
But the team feels they still lack some top-quality players in the squad. They will look to convince players who hold dual nationality to represent them at the World Cup. These five potential dual-national players might bolster DR Congo’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Players who could switch nationality and represent DR Congo at the World Cup 2026
| Rank (order) in article | Player Name | Club |
| 5 | Samuel Mbangula | Werder Bremen |
| 4 | Dilane Bakwa | Nottingham Forest |
| 3 | Senny Mayulu | PSG |
| 2 | El Chadaille Bitshiabu | RB Leipzig |
| 1 | Antoni Milambo | Brentford |
5. Samuel Mbangula (Werder Bremen)
The 22-year-old striker for SV Werder Bremen is still awaiting a call-up from the Belgian national team, which may lead him to choose the Leopards.
After playing at Brugge and Anderlecht, he moved to the Juventus youth team. However, after playing a season in Serie A, the youngster then moved to the German club this summer and has been their crucial star. He has participated in 22 league games this season, contributing four assists and three goals.
4. Dilane Bakwa (Nottingham Forest)
The 23-year-old, who was born in France to Congolese parents, has represented several French youth teams. He is still qualified to wear the Leopards’ uniform.
Dilane Bakwa, who received his training at Bordeaux, was signed for €10 million to join RC Strasbourg in 2023 before joining Nottingham Forest for €35 million during the most recent summer transfer window. He has contributed one assist in 17 games this season in all competitions.
3. Senny Mayulu (PSG)
Senny Mayulu, who advanced through the early phases of his career in France, has made a significant international decision by switching to play for the DR Congo national football team.
The 19-year-old attacking midfielder, who was born in France but qualified due to his father’s ancestry, has now formally pledged to play for the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
He is anticipated to obtain his Congolese passport in the upcoming weeks, making it possible for him to be included in future squads, as the change of sporting nationality has been completed.
2. El Chadaille Bitshiabu (RB Leipzig)
El Chadaille Bitshiabu, a defender for RB Leipzig, is being intensively pursued by DR Congo to play for them at the 2026 World Cup. To persuade the French-born RB Leipzig defender to switch allegiance to his parents’ country, DR Congo has dispatched delegates to Europe. The 20-year-old defender, who played for PSG, is thought to be a crucial addition to improve their World Cup defence.
1. Antoni Milambo (Brentford)
Antoni-Djibu Milambo (21, Brentford) is being pursued by DR Congo to change his nationality and play for them at the FIFA World Cup in 2026. The 21-year-old offensive midfielder, who was born in the Netherlands, is one of the players on a high-profile recruitment list intended to bolster the “Leopards” team, along with other talented players.
Currently playing for Brentford in the Premier League, Antoni Milambo is a promising attacking midfielder who has represented the Netherlands U21.
Have DR Congo qualified for the World Cup 2026?
Yes, after beating their opponents in playoff rounds.
In which group are DR Congo in?
They are in group K.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.