Kambwala, who joined Como this summer, announced the decision on social media, sharing a photo of himself with a Democratic Republic of Congo flag after completing the full pathway through France's youth national teams.
"Democratic Republic of Congo. Land of my birth. Land where I kicked my first balls. Land where I fell in love with this sport. Land where my dream of professional football began. So it is with pride and honour that I want to, and will, defend the colours of this flag and this entire nation. Thank God for this blessing," Kambwala wrote.
The 21-year-old defender, capable of playing at centre-back or in midfield, began his development in France with FC Sochaux before joining Manchester United's academy in 2020. He made his first-team debut for United against West Ham in December 2023 and went on to make 10 appearances for the senior side that season, eight of them in the Premier League, as well as being part of the squad that won the FA Cup that year.
Kambwala moved to Villarreal in the summer of 2024, making 21 appearances across LaLiga and the Copa del Rey in his first season in Spain, which ended with the club finishing fifth and qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in the club's history.
He joined Como this summer, where he has continued his development under Cesc Fabregas as the Italian club competes in Europe's top competition for the first time in its history.
Kambwala's decision to represent DR Congo rather than France, the country of his upbringing, continues a recent trend of dual-nationality players choosing to represent the country of their family's heritage, adding another promising young defender to a national team that reached the round of 16 at this year's World Cup, before being eliminated by England.
He joins a growing list of Europe-developed players who have opted for the Leopards in recent months, as the federation continues to strengthen its squad with players who came through academies across France, Belgium and elsewhere.