FIFA Clears Three Europe-Born Players for DR Congo vs Nigeria World Cup Qualifiers Playoff

FIFA has cleared three Europe-born players, Michel Ange Balikwisha, Mario Stroeykens, and Matthieu Epolo, to play for DR Congo in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers playoff final against Nigeria. The players, who previously represented Belgium at various youth levels, successfully switched allegiances to DR Congo.

Balikwisha and Epolo featured in DR Congo's recent 1-0 win against Cameroon, while Stroeykens was omitted from the squad. The Fédération Congolaise de Football Association received approval for the players' eligibility just hours before kick-off.