West Ham United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been named in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s 26-man squad for June international friendlies, potentially paving the way for his debut at the Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, MySportDab Reports.
The 27-year-old right-back, born in England to Congolese parents, had previously declined invitations to represent the Leopards, notably ahead of the 2023 AFCON held in Ivory Coast.
Despite making an early impression with Manchester United after a 2019 move from Crystal Palace and earning a senior England call-up, Wan-Bissaka never made an appearance due to injury and has not been recalled since.
Now at West Ham, Wan-Bissaka has seemingly opened the door to representing DR Congo. However, he must still undergo a formal nationality switch, as FIFA’s latest approved list of eligibility changes does not include his name.
DR Congo, led by head coach Sébastien Desabre, are set to face Mali on June 5 and Madagascar on June 8 in Orleans, France.
These matches serve as preparations for the resumption of World Cup qualifiers in September, with DR Congo currently topping Group B — a point ahead of Senegal, whom they host in a crucial fixture.
The group winners will qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup.
DR Congo have also secured a spot at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where they will face Senegal, Benin, and Botswana in the group stage.
Wan-Bissaka’s inclusion could be a significant boost to their defensive options heading into a decisive year for the Leopards.
