A well-played World Cup, as we know, can change a life. Not just a footballer’s, but an entire national team’s. Even when that national team represents a football federation operating in one of the most economically and geopolitically complicated parts of the world. Take the Democratic Republic of Congo: after going out to England in the last 16, with their heads held high, the African side has changed gear and begun to attract young players, particularly second- and third-generation players of Congolese descent who might, at another point, have chosen to represent the country where they were born. Jorthy Mokio is a case in point, an outstanding 18-year-old talent who, at Rudi Garcia’s request, made a brief appearance for Belgium in March 2025. Mokio is now a starter for Ajax, but he will wear the Leopards’ shirt. As reported by L’Équipe, Desabre called him to remind him of the regulations: he will have to wait three years before he can play for the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mokio does not mind. Born in Ghent, he dreams of wearing the shirt of the DRC, the country of his roots. He will also be part of the squad called up for the friendlies during this September international window, although he will have to watch the matches from the stands. The rules allow him to be there. “He wanted to play for us so badly that he was willing to wait three years,” Desabre said. “That sends a strong message to everyone, and now he is coming here to get to know the environment.” Another important addition after Ngal’ayel Mukau, the Lille midfielder, and Noah Sadiki of Sunderland, who have effectively opened the door for a number of other new arrivals.
There are 13 “new signings” in total in the squad for the September fixtures. Among the dual nationals, and therefore potentially eligible to represent European national teams, are Ezechiel Banzuzi of Leipzig, a 21-year-old Netherlands Under-21 international; Kévin Pedro of Saint-Étienne, born in 2006 and formerly a France Under-19 international; Jordy Makengo of Freiburg; and Stephy Mavididi of Leicester, 28, who made his England Under-20 debut. They are joined by Stanis Idumbo of Monaco, 21, who has played for Belgium Under-21s, and Noah Mbamba of Lorient, also 21, who has appeared for the Belgian Under-21 side. Both are currently injured and were therefore left out of this camp.
“These call-ups are something we work on discreetly,” Desabre explained. The French coach, who has been in charge of the DRC since 2022, is now entering his fifth year in the job and has a contract running until 2030. “But this is not a revolution. We simply want to strengthen the squad. The players have seen how we work. Everything is very professional. There are many Congolese players in the diaspora across Europe, but there is quality in the country too, for example in goal with Nathan Ndibu.” Qualifying for the World Cup was the first objective, but it cannot be the end point. “Our more experienced players remain fundamental: Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Wan-Bissaka… They are still our foundation.” And it would hardly be surprising to see more players join a DRC side that has become, a little like Morocco in North Africa, something of a promised land for talent from sub-Saharan Africa.