The Democratic Republic of Congo have named their 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup intercontinental play-offs, leaving out two players who were highlighted in a formal complaint by the Nigeria Football Federation, a move that adds a new twist to an eligibility dispute still pending with FIFA.
Head coach Sébastien Desabre confirmed the squad on Wednesday, keeping the core group that beat Nigeria on penalties in the African play-off round, while recalling several players who had not featured in the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Captain Chancel Mbemba will lead the team, joined by experienced players including Cedric Bakambu, Yoane Wissa and Samuel Moutoussamy, as DR Congo aim for a second World Cup appearance.
The omission of Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens is notable, as both were named in Nigeria’s complaint over alleged eligibility breaches. Only Matheu Epolo, the third player mentioned in the petition, has been included in the new squad.
Nigeria lodged their complaint after losing the African play-off tie 4–3 on penalties, arguing that DR Congo had secured nationality switches for several overseas-born players at short notice. The petition suggested that some players were called up before FIFA had formally cleared them to represent the country.
Balikwisha had made his debut against Nigeria and scored in the penalty shoot-out, while Stroeykens missed his chance due to injury. Epolo only made his debut a day after Nigeria’s complaint became public.
Their absence from the new squad has sparked speculation that the Congolese federation may be seeking to avoid further scrutiny while FIFA continues to review the case.
Despite the controversy, DR Congo appear confident heading into the intercontinental play-offs. The omission of the two players has kept the eligibility dispute alive, even as the decisive matches in Guadalajara and Monterrey draw near.
The situation leaves Nigeria’s protest unresolved, with no indication yet from FIFA that the result of the African play-off will be overturned, keeping the controversy at the centre of attention as DR Congo prepare for the next stage of World Cup qualification.
