DR Congo Face Defensive Concern But Receive Newcastle Star Boost Ahead of World Cup Playoff

DR Congo Face Defensive Concern But Receive Newcastle Star Boost Ahead of World Cup Playoff

By Niyi Busari 

DR Congo national football team could be without defender Jeremy Ngakia for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup intercontinental play-offs after the Watford full-back suffered a hamstring injury, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Ngakia missed Watford FC’s most recent match, raising serious doubts about his availability for the crucial fixtures. His club manager, Edward Still, confirmed that the defender is expected to be sidelined for several weeks.

The potential absence of the right-back is a setback for DR Congo head coach Sébastien Desabre, who could be forced to adjust his defensive options ahead of the decisive matches.

However, the Leopards have received a major boost with the return of forward Yoane Wissa to the national team squad. The 29-year-old attacker, who plays for Newcastle United FC, has been recalled after recovering from recent injury problems and limited playing time at club level.

Wissa’s inclusion strengthens DR Congo’s attacking options as they prepare for the intercontinental play-off. The Leopards, runners-up in their African qualifying group, will face the winner of the clash between the New Caledonia national football team and the Jamaica national football team in a decisive one-off match for a place at the 2026 World Cup.

The fixture is scheduled for March 31, 2026, at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico, following the semi-final between New Caledonia and Jamaica on March 26.

DR Congo, formerly known as Zaire national football team, are aiming to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since their only appearance at the 1974 FIFA World Cup.

DR Congo Squad:

Goalkeepers: Timothé Fayulu, Lionel Mpasi, Mathieu Epolo

Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Jeremy Ngakia, Joris Kayembe, Arthur Masuaku, Steve Kapuadi, Rocky Bushiri, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, Dylan Batubinsika

Midfielders: Noah Sadiki, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, Ngala Mukaou, Charles Pickel, Nathanaël Mbuku, Brian Silbenga, Grady Diangana, Meschack Elia, Théo Bongonda

Forwards: Fiston Mayele, Cédric Bakambu, Simon Banza, Yoane Wissa.