FIFA has cleared three new players to join the DR Congo squad ahead of Sunday’s 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff final against Nigeria.
The approval came through the Change of Association process, allowing the players to switch from Belgium to DR Congo.
Those cleared are:
Michel-Ange Balikwisha – midfielder, formerly at Celtic
Mario Stroeykens – midfielder from Anderlecht
Matthieu Epolo Рgoalkeeper from Standard Li̬ge
All three had played for Belgium at youth level but applied for a one-time switch to represent DR Congo at senior level.
Balikwisha and Epolo were already on the bench in DR Congo’s 1–0 win over Cameroon, after getting approval on November 11 and 12. Stroeykens’ clearance came only hours before kickoff, so he was not included in that match.
The trio are now fully available to face the Super Eagles on Sunday in the decisive playoff final.
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