AFCON 2025
Three new players have been added to the DR Congo Leopards squad to face Nigeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff final on Sunday.
The world football governing body has approved the switch of allegiance of three Europe-based stars, as requested by the country.
FIFA’s Change of Association platform confirmed that midfielder Michel-Ange Balikwisha, who played for Celtic, Mario Stroeykens of Anderlecht, and goalkeeper Matthieu Epolo, who plays for Standard Liège, are now fully eligible to represent DR Congo.
They are all available for the World Cup qualifying playoff final against Nigeria on Sunday.
The trio previously represented Belgium at various youth levels before switching allegiance to DR Congo.
They were required to submit applications for a one-time international switch under FIFA regulations.
Balikwisha and Epolo were on the bench for DR Congo’s 1-0 win over Cameroon after receiving approval on November 11 and 12, respectively.
However, Anderlecht midfielder Stroeykens was omitted from Thursday’s squad after the Fédération Congolaise de Football Association was notified of his eligibility only hours before kick-off.
