Yoane Wissa of DR Congo ©Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Thursday Mar 12, 2026. 13:00
Newcastle United star Yoane Wissa has returned to the DR Congo squad for their 2026 FIFA World Cup intercontinental playoff.
The 29-year-old’s inclusion in the Leopards squad marks his return after injury setbacks and limited club minutes at English Premier League side Newcastle.
The Leopards, runners-up in CAF Group B, will face the New Caledonia-Jamaica winner in a decisive one-off match for a World Cup spot, with Wissa’s recall providing a major attacking boost ahead of the late March clash.
The game is scheduled for Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico, following the semi-final between New Caledonia and Jamaica on March 26.
Congo (formerly Zaire), who are under Frenchman coach Sebastien Desabre, are eyeing a return to the World Cup for the first time since their only appearance in 1974.
Goalkeepers: Timothé Fayulu, Lionel Mpasi-Nzau, Mathieu Epolo
Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Jeremy Ngakia, Joris Kayembe, Arthur Masuaku, Steve Kapuadi, Rocky Bushiri, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, Dylan Batubinsika
Midfielders: Noah Sadiki, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, Ngala Mukaou, Charles Pickel, Nathanael Mbuku, Brian Silbenga, Grady Diangana, Meshack Elia, Theo Bongonda
Forwards: Fiston Mayele, Cedric Bakambu, Simon Banza, Yoane Wissa