Tshibola Replaces Bushiri in DR Congo World Cup Squad
DR Congo replaced injured Rocky Bushiri with Aaron Tshibola ahead of their first World Cup appearance since 1974, when they played as Zaire in West Germany.
DR Congo changed their World Cup squad two days after announcing it, replacing injured Hibernian defender Rocky Bushiri with Kilmarnock midfielder Aaron Tshibola...
DR Congo make late squad change
The Democratic Republic of Congo have altered their World Cup squad just two days after announcing it. Rocky Bushiri has been ruled out with injury and replaced by Aaron Tshibola.
Coach Sebastien Desabre named a 26-player squad on Monday but has since withdrawn Hibernian centre back Bushiri. Kilmarnock defensive midfielder Tshibola has been called up in his place.
“The Congolese Football Federation Association confirms the withdrawal of Rocky Bushiri from the 2026 World Cup, following an injury sustained during his last match with his club,” the Congolese Association Football Federation said in a statement.
“The technical staff has called up Aaron Tshibola, player for Kilmarnock FC, as a replacement.”
Tshibola’s international background
London-born Aaron Tshibola came through Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa. He represented England at youth level before debuting for DR Congo in 2018. After that, he wasn’t called up again for five years.
The club can confirm that Rocky Bushiri has been forced to withdraw from the DR Congo World Cup squad due to injury.
— Hibernian Football Club (@HibernianFC) May 20, 2026
Sending you our full support and best wishes, Rocky 💚
🔗 https://t.co/zYMDk8dHHf pic.twitter.com/FCZ5y0dZu1
Tshibola has 16 caps for the national team. He was part of the squad that finished fourth at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, but he didn’t play in the most recent tournament in Morocco.
DR Congo are placed in World Cup Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan.
The last time the country appeared at the World Cup was in 1974 in West Germany, when it was known as Zaire. They lost all three matches, including a 9-0 defeat to Yugoslavia.
REVISED DR CONGO SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Matthieu Epolo (Standard Liège), Timothy Fayulu (Noah), Lionel Mpasi (Le Havre)
Defenders: Dylan Batubinsika (Larisa), Gedoon Kalulu (Aris Limassol), Steve Kapuadi (Widzew Lodz), Joris Kayembe (Racing Genk), Arthur Masuaku (Racing Lens), Chancel Mbemba (Lille), Axel Tuanzebe (Burnley), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham United)
Midfielders: Theo Bongonda (Spartak Moscow), Brian Cipenga (Castellon), Meshack Elia (Alanyaspor), Gael Kakuta (Larisa), Edo Kayembe (Watford), Nathanael Mbuku (Montpellier), Samuel Moutoussamy (Atromitos), Ngal'ayel Mukau (Lille), Charles Pickel (Espanyol), Noah Sadiki (Sunderland), Aaron Tshibola (Kilmarnock)
Forwards: Cedric Bakambu (Real Betis), Simon Banza (Al Jazira), Fiston Mayele (Pyramids), Yoane Wissa (Newcastle United).
No comments:
Leave comment here