FIFA World Cup Tickets: FIFA has officially cleared two football players to switch their international eligibility from Belgium to Congo. This decision comes just in time for the African qualifying playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which begin on Thursday.
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Celtic forward Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Standard Liege goalkeeper Matthieu Epolo are now free to represent Congo. They will be part of the squad facing Cameroon in the semifinal round of the playoffs. Both players were born in Belgium but have strong family roots in Congo, which allowed them to apply for the nationality change under FIFA’s rules.
FIFA confirmed that Balikwisha’s approval came through on Tuesday, while Epolo’s was finalized on Wednesday. The timing of these clearances means both players can join Congo’s national team immediately. Their addition gives Congo a major boost before a crucial game. Balikwisha, who plays for Scottish club Celtic, has been in great form this season.
His attacking pace and technical skills make him an exciting option for Congo. Epolo, a talented young goalkeeper from Standard Liege, brings extra strength to the defense. Both represented Belgium in youth and Under-21 competitions, but neither appeared for the senior national team.
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Because of that, FIFA rules allowed them to change their national allegiance. The playoff system in Africa for the 2026 World Cup is intense. Congo will face Cameroon in the semifinal on Thursday in Rabat, Morocco. The winner of that match will meet either Nigeria or Gabon in the final on Sunday. The entire playoff bracket will be played in Morocco to ensure neutral ground.
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Only one of these four teams will move on to the next stage, the intercontinental playoffs in March 2026. That round will include six teams from different continents fighting for the last two available spots at the World Cup. The tournament will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, making it the first time three nations share hosting duties for the event.
For Congo, this is a big opportunity to return to the world stage. The country last played in the World Cup in 1974, when it competed as Zaire in West Germany. Since then, Congo has come close several times but never managed to qualify again.
Fans are now hoping that this new generation of players can make history once more. Balikwisha said earlier this year that representing Congo would be a dream come true. He mentioned that his family always supported the national team and that he feels proud to wear the colors.
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Epolo has expressed similar emotions, saying he is ready to give his best for his parents’ country. Their eligibility change shows a growing trend among footballers with dual nationality. Many African countries have benefited from players born or trained in Europe who later decide to represent their ancestral nations.
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FIFA’s eligibility rules make this possible as long as the player has not played a competitive senior match for another country. According to Belgium’s football authorities, the change is seen as a positive move for both players. They believe Balikwisha and Epolo will gain valuable experience on the international stage, which could also help their club careers.
Belgian fans have also shown respect for their decision, understanding their emotional connection to Congo. The upcoming playoff matches are expected to be thrilling. Cameroon has a rich football history and is known for producing strong, disciplined teams.
Nigeria is also among the favorites, while Gabon’s lineup includes several talented players who can make a difference. But Congo’s confidence is rising with Balikwisha and Epolo joining the squad at the right time.
The match against Cameroon will test Congo’s balance between attack and defense. Balikwisha’s creativity could be key in breaking down Cameroon’s backline, while Epolo’s goalkeeping skills might prove vital in tight moments.
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Football analysts believe this is Congo’s best chance in decades to reach the World Cup. The team has shown steady improvement in recent years, and the addition of players from top European clubs could make the difference.
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The African playoff final on Sunday will decide who keeps their World Cup dream alive. If Congo manages to qualify, it would be a historic moment, marking their return after more than fifty years.
Fans across both Belgium and Congo will be watching closely. For Balikwisha and Epolo, it’s more than just football; it’s about identity, family, and pride. They now have the chance to help Congo make headlines again on the global stage.
This story adds another chapter to the growing connection between European-trained players and African football. As the world prepares for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Congo’s journey shows how passion and heritage can unite to shape a nation’s sporting dreams.
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FAQs
1. What is Congo’s current status in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers?
Congo is competing in the African qualifying playoffs for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The team faces Cameroon in a crucial semifinal match, and if successful, they will advance to a playoff final against either Nigeria or Gabon. The winner will progress to the intercontinental playoffs, where two teams from six nations will qualify for the World Cup.
2. Why are Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Matthieu Epolo important for Congo?
Both players recently received FIFA approval to switch their international allegiance from Belgium to Congo. Their inclusion adds strength and experience to the squad. Balikwisha’s attacking creativity and Epolo’s goalkeeping skills could help Congo achieve its dream of returning to the global stage after decades.
3. When was the last time Congo qualified for the Football World Cup?
Congo last appeared in the World Cup in 1974, when the country competed as Zaire in West Germany. Since then, it has worked hard to rebuild its footballing strength and identity, aiming for a historic comeback in 2026.
4. What makes the African qualifying playoffs so competitive?
Africa’s playoff format is challenging, with top teams like Cameroon, Nigeria, and Gabon competing for limited spots. Each match is played on neutral ground, adding pressure and excitement as nations fight for World Cup qualification.
5. How does Congo’s story reflect the changing face of world football?
Congo’s rise highlights a growing trend of European-trained players representing their ancestral countries. It shows how football connects identity, family, and heritage, values that make the FIFA World Cup truly global.
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