West Ham right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been named in the DR Congo's 26-man squad for their upcoming friendlies in June.
The former Manchester United and England right-backs call up to the DR Congo has signaled an international switch ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The 27-year-old, born in England to Congolese parents, had previously declined multiple call-ups from DR Congo, including ahead of the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has represented England at the U21 level and received a senior call-up in 2019 after a strong start to his Manchester United career, but he withdrew due to injury and has not been selected since.
Having joined West Ham last year, the defender is now poised to revive his international career, this time with the Leopards. However, as of FIFA's latest update, Aaron Wan-Bissaka has not officially completed the one-time switch of nationality required to represent DR Congo in competitive fixtures.
His inclusion comes as coach Sebastien Desabre prepares for two friendlies in against Mali and Madagascar in June, as warm-ups for the resumption of World Cup qualifiers in September. DR Congo currently sit top of Group B, one point ahead of Senegal, whom they will host in a crucial clash later this year.
The Leopards are also set to compete in the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, drawn alongside Benin, Botswana, and Senegal in the group stage. Wan-Bissaka's addition could offer a defensive boost to a side aiming for continental and global breakthroughs.