DR Congo name Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Yoane Wissa in World Cup squad
West Ham United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa have been named in the Democratic Republic of Congo squad for the upcoming World Cup.
Croydon-born Wan-Bissaka switched his international allegiance to the African nation in August 2025 after previously representing England at Under-21 level.
The 28-year-old former Manchester United full-back has since earned nine caps for the Leopards and will now anchor their defence on the global stage.
Wissa returns following injury struggles
Wissa earns a recall from head coach Sebastien Desabre having been omitted from the nation’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
The lightning-fast forward has endured a difficult period with form and fitness since swapping Brentford for Tyneside last summer.
Joining the Premier League duo in the travelling party is Burnley defender Axel Tuanzebe and Hibernian centre-back Rocky Bushiri.
Bushiri’s inclusion comes as a surprise after the defender limped out of a weekend defeat to Motherwell with a suspected Achilles injury.
Veterans recalled for Group K challenge
Desabre has also turned to experience by recalling 34-year-old playmaker Gael Kakuta to the international setup.
The former Chelsea midfielder has featured just twice for the Congolese side over the past two years.
Watford’s Edo Kayembe and Sunderland’s Noah Sadiki provide further English-based representation within the midfield ranks.
The Leopards have been drawn into Group K for the tournament, where they will face formidable opposition in Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan.
Ending a half-century absence
This tournament marks the nation’s first appearance at the global showpiece since competing as Zaire in West Germany half a century ago.
Their 1974 campaign ended in the group stages following three consecutive defeats, including a heavy 9-0 loss to Yugoslavia.
That historic appearance is perhaps best remembered for Mwepu Ilunga famously breaking from his own defensive wall to blast the ball away during a Brazilian free-kick.
Full DR Congo World Cup Squad
- Goalkeepers: Matthieu Epolo (Standard Liege), Timothy Fayulu (Noah), Lionel Mpasi (Le Havre)
- Defenders: Dylan Batubinsika (Larisa), Rocky Bushiri (Hibernian), Gedoon Kalulu (Aris Limassol), Steve Kapuadi (Widzew Lodz), Joris Kayembe (Racing Genk), Arthur Masuaku (Racing Lens), Chancel Mbemba (Lille), Axel Tuanzebe (Burnley), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham United)
- Midfielders: Theo Bongonda (Spartak Moscow), Brian Cipenga (Castellon), Meshack Elia (Alanyaspor), Gael Kakuta (Larisa), Edo Kayembe (Watford), Nathanael Mbuku (Montpellier), Samuel Moutoussamy (Atromitos), Ngal’ayel Mukau (Lille), Charles Pickel (Espanyol), Noah Sadiki (Sunderland)
- Forwards: Cedric Bakambu (Real Betis), Simon Banza (Al Jazira), Fiston Mayele (Pyramids), Yoane Wissa (Newcastle United)