West Ham defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa have been included in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) squad for the upcoming World Cup. Wan-Bissaka, who previously represented England at the Under-21 level and switched his allegiance to DR Congo in August 2025, has earned nine caps for the national team. Wissa, who has faced challenges with form and injuries since joining Newcastle from Brentford, was selected after missing out on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations squad. Burnley defender Axel Tuanzebe has also been named in the squad, while Hibernian centre-back Rocky Bushiri has withdrawn due to an Achilles injury, with Kilmarnock’s Aaron Tshibola taking his place. DR Congo will compete in Group K against Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan, marking their return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974.
Why It Matters
DR Congo’s appearance in the World Cup is significant as it marks their first participation since 1974, when they were known as Zaire and lost all three matches. The last tournament featured a notable incident involving Zaire’s Mwepu Ilunga, who infamously kicked the ball away during a free-kick against Brazil. The current squad reflects a blend of experienced and emerging talent, highlighting the country’s growing footballing identity. Competing against strong teams like Portugal and Colombia, the DR Congo team aims to improve on their historical performances and establish themselves on the global stage.
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