The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s historic World Cup qualification has sparked a wave of national pride and strategic planning for the 2026 tournament, with the Football Association (FAC) actively pursuing the naturalisation of 12 players to bolster its squad. The team, led by coach Sébastien De Sabre, has already made a significant impact on the global stage, becoming only the second nation from the DRC to qualify for the World Cup after its 1974 campaign as Zaire. This milestone has not only galvanised fans but also drawn attention from European clubs, as several key players remained in the country to celebrate their qualification rather than return to their clubs following the international break. The DRC’s squad is a blend of domestic and international talent, with players like Mokaou (Lille), Bakambu (Real Betis), Yoan Wissa (Newcastle United), Noah Sadki (Sunderland), and Wan-Bissaka (West Ham) representing the team’s European presence. However, the FAC is now looking to strengthen its roster by targeting additional players who are eligible to represent the nation. Spanish newspaper Marca reported that the association has identified a list of up to 10 players, including Warren Bondo (Cremonese), Willy Kambwala (Villarreal), Arnaud Kalimuendo (Eintracht Frankfurt), Ezekiel Panzuzi (Leipzig), Samuel Mbangula (Werder Bremen), Jordi Makengo (Freiburg), Anthony Milambo (Brentford), Dylan Bakwa (Nottingham Forest), Marc Bola (Watford), and Bradley Loko (Brest). These players are seen as potential additions to the squad, with their World Cup participation serving as a strong incentive. Despite this list, the FAC is not satisfied and is seeking further talent to elevate its standards.#world_cup #marca #democratic_republic_of_congo #football_association_fac #sebastien_de_sabre
