Wan Bissaka switches allegiance to DR Congo, set for World Cup qualifier debut

West Ham United star Aaron Wan-Bissaka is set to make his long-awaited debut for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) after accepting a call-up for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The reigning Hammer of the Year has been included in DR Congo’s squad by head coach Sébastien Desabre, officially switching his international allegiance from England to the country of his parents’ birth.

Born in Croydon, Wan Bissaka previously represented DR Congo at U20 level before featuring for England’s U20 and U21 sides, including at the 2019 UEFA European U21 Championship. Now, the defender begins a senior international career with DR Congo, who are chasing their first World Cup appearance since 1974, when they qualified as Zaire.

The Leopards currently top CAF Group B with 13 points from six games, narrowly ahead of Senegal and Sudan (12 points each). Only the group winners qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup in North America, while runners-up advance to a second round for an inter-confederation play-off.

•South Sudan vs DR Congo – Friday, 5 September at Juba Stadium

•DR Congo vs Senegal – Tuesday, 9 September at Stade des Martyrs, Kinshasa (5pm

Togo, South Sudan, and Mauritania complete the group but are effectively out of contention.

Back-to-back victories in this international window would place DR Congo firmly in control before their final qualifiers in October against Togo (away) and Sudan (home)