Belgian Soccer Players Switch National Eligibility to Represent Congo in 2026 World Cup Qualifying Playoffs
FIFA has given the green light for two soccer players to switch their national eligibility from Belgium to Congo in time for the 2026 World Cup qualifying playoffs for Africa. Michel-Ange Balikwisha, a forward from Celtic, and Matthieu Epolo, a goalkeeper from Standard Liege, are now eligible to represent Congo in the upcoming playoffs against Cameroon. Both players have familial ties to Congo and were born in Belgium, having previously played for Belgium at youth and Under-21 levels. FIFA approved Epolo's switch on Wednesday and Balikwisha's on Tuesday.
The playoff semifinal between Congo and Cameroon will determine which team advances to the final on Sunday to face the winner of the Nigeria vs. Gabon matchup. All playoff matches are taking place in Rabat, Morocco. The African playoff winner will move on to the intercontinental playoffs in March, where two teams will secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Congo has qualified for the World Cup only once, back in 1974 when the team competed as Zaire in West Germany.
In conclusion, the approval of Balikwisha and Epolo's national eligibility changes provides Congo with additional talent for the crucial World Cup qualifying playoffs. The upcoming matches against Cameroon and potentially Nigeria or Gabon will determine Congo's path to the intercontinental playoffs and their chance to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup.