West Ham United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka has officially secured his DR Congo passport, finalising a switch of international allegiance from England to the Congolese national team.
The 26-year-old full-back is now eligible for selection as the Leopards prepare for their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures against Senegal and Togo next month.
The move marks a significant moment in his career, offering him the opportunity to feature on the international stage after years of speculation about his choice of national representation.
Born in London to Congolese parents, Wan-Bissaka was eligible to represent either England or DR Congo. Having previously made appearances for England at youth level, he was widely regarded as a potential senior option for the Three Lions.
However, fierce competition for the right-back position, combined with his strong ties to his heritage, ultimately influenced his decision to commit to DR Congo.
The Congolese Football Federation confirmed the development after Wan-Bissaka successfully obtained his DR Congo passport. His inclusion comes at a crucial time for the national team, which is aiming to strengthen its squad in pursuit of qualification for the 2026 World Cup, to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Wan-Bissaka, renowned for his defensive solidity, ball-winning ability, and one-on-one tackling, brings a wealth of experience from the Premier League. Since joining West Ham United from Manchester United earlier this summer, he has been a regular feature in the Hammers’ defence, quickly adapting to life under his new manager and showcasing his consistency at the top level.
For DR Congo, his arrival adds both quality and depth to the squad, particularly in a position that has been a source of concern in recent years. Head coach Sébastien Desabre is expected to integrate Wan-Bissaka immediately into the team as they face two challenging fixtures in Group B of the qualifiers.
The Leopards are scheduled to take on reigning African champions Senegal before hosting Togo, matches that could prove decisive in shaping their qualification campaign.
Wan-Bissaka’s decision mirrors that of several players of Congolese descent who have opted to represent the Leopards in recent years, strengthening the squad with talent developed in Europe’s top leagues.
For the player himself, the move offers the chance to play regular international football and potentially participate in major continental and global tournaments.
Speaking after the confirmation of his switch, federation officials expressed delight at securing a player of his calibre. They emphasised that his commitment reflects the growing ambition of the team to compete at the highest level. Supporters have also welcomed the news, viewing Wan-Bissaka as a symbol of renewed hope for DR Congo’s qualification push.
As the countdown to the qualifiers continues, attention will turn to how quickly Wan-Bissaka can adapt to the demands of African football. With his defensive expertise and Premier League pedigree, expectations are high that he will make an immediate impact.
For the player, the decision represents more than just a change of shirt—it is a chance to embrace his roots and contribute to the resurgence of a nation eager to return to the world stage.
