Expert opinion: The ideal DR Congo squad for the 2026 World Cup according to Eric Tshibasu

Expert opinion: The ideal DR Congo squad for the 2026 World Cup according to Eric Tshibasu

Ultimately, it will be up to coach Sébastien Desabre to make his choices based on his experience with the team.Let’s not forget that the majority of the current players are those who fought under extremely tough conditions to earn points and, after 52 years, bring the team back to a World Cup finals.It hasn’t been easy all these years. So, out of respect for them, I believe we need to keep the core of this team, especially those who have performed well.We also need to avoid disrupting the team’s momentum, as there’s very little time before the finals, especially with a long AFCON and qualifiers. This group already has real chemistry. The coach will surely bear this in mind to keep changes to a minimum.Of course, there’s talk of reinforcements, but the group shouldn’t be shaken up too much. I’m in favor of stability, with maybe a few extra players who can add something special.For me, it’s best to think in terms of positions. In goal, I would definitely keep Passi, Lionel Mpasi-Nzau, who was the starter throughout the qualifiers.Timothy Fayulu is the one who took us through the penalty shootout against Nigeria and has been a long-time backup.We also have Matthieu Epolo, one of the big revelations at Standard Liège, with huge potential—even by European standards for his position. He’s clearly a goalkeeper for the future of our national team. I don’t know when the coach will give him his chance, but we’re lucky to have a keeper from such an excellent academy.I’d also add a fourth goalkeeper, Dimitry Bertaud, who’s finding his feet again in Canada and took part in the first phase of qualifiers. He was the starter at that time. Out of respect, I’d take him to the World Cup, because he remains a very good goalkeeper. Even though he’s playing in a less high-profile league, he’s played a lot and was important. For all he’s contributed, he clearly deserves to be part of the squad.In defense, if I’m doubling up each position, I’d start on the right with Gédéon Kalulu and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.Kalulu has really held the team together and is very solid defensively. Bissaka needs no introduction—he’s a reliable asset. As a third option, I’d consider , who’s played a lot for Watford.In central defense, the core remains and , who has anchored the defense since the start of the qualifiers. Supporting them, there’s Steve Kapuadi and , who have always been present.I’m also thinking of , who has taken part in several qualifying campaigns and brings a lot to the dressing room. He’s an important player despite some club issues.There’s also , who has long expressed his desire to play for the Leopards. He’d be a great addition to the squad.On the left, I’d go with and , both of whom played throughout the qualifiers. The only issue is that they’re both over thirty now.To prepare for the future, I’d consider , who reached a Europa League final with and has shown real quality. That would help us look ahead.In midfield, the obvious choices are , Ngal'ayel Mukau, and , who had a great campaign—especially in that reference match against . There’s also , who was part of the rotation and remains in the group.Building on that core, there’s also , who has contributed a lot to the national team. For me, he’s indispensable to the squad.At this point, we should also look for interesting profiles to strengthen the midfield. The dream would be to have a player like . He would be a massive boost to strengthen the middle of the park. is also a very intriguing option. Both are top-level players, capable of truly adding value to the squad.Of course, it’ll depend on timing and eligibility, since some have played for youth teams of other countries. We’ll have to see if they can join the national side. But in any case, both are very promising profiles.Up front, I’d naturally start with , , and . These three are the backbone of our attack, and since the qualifiers, they’ve been the most dangerous players we have.Behind them is Nathanaël Mbuku, who has contributed a lot to the attack. There’s also the veteran , who can be brought into the midfield group. That would be a bold move by the coach, maybe even a reward for his experience and iconic status with the team.There’s also Brian Cipenga, a true revelation. He’s a very impressive player, especially on set pieces, and he’s starting to really make his mark with the national team.Then you have and Fiston Mayele, who have both contributed and added depth to the squad.If we really needed another reinforcement, would be an excellent choice. He has the ideal profile for the national team and could bring real offensive firepower.Finally, I’d also mention , who had a great Europa League campaign with his Polish club. He’s a very interesting player in terms of potential.