Aaron Wan-Bissaka hailed as ‘one of the best’ as he nears history away from West Ham
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been praised for his performance after DR Congo beat Nigeria on penalties to keep their World Cup dreams alive on Sunday.
West Ham have had several players on international duty over the last week, with the defender among those attempting to book their place in next year’s competition.
The 27-year-old started on Thursday, too, as his nation beat Cameroon in the qualification semi-final to set up the final against Nigeria.
Jarrod Bowen impressed for England against Albania on Sunday, featuring from the off as Thomas Tuchel‘s side continued their unbeaten run.
It has been claimed that Bowen would get into the England team more regularly if he played for a bigger club, but the winger currently looks set to go to North America next summer.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka ‘authoritatively’ superb vs Nigeria
DR Congo have not played in a World Cup since 1974, but they took a huge step towards making history on Sunday.
Frank Onyeka had opened the scoring for Nigeria before Meschack Elia equalised before the break.
After a closely fought 120 minutes, penalties would ultimately decide this contest and secure DR Congo a place in March’s World Cup play-offs.
Wan-Bissaka was praised for his defensive solidity in the match, with the West Ham man dominating his right flank.
“One of the best players in the match,” wrote DR Congo-based outlet Leopardleader on Sunday, awarding the 27-year-old a 7.5 match rating.
“Clean defensively, sharp interventions, no panic under pressure. Authoritatively shut down his right flank.”
Wan-Bissaka on a mission with DR Congo
Wan-Bissaka was named in the DR Congo international squad for the first time in May, after representing both the Leopards and England at youth level.
The defender was born in London to Congolese descent and had been approached about representing DR Congo in 2023, but chose to wait.
| World Cup play-offs 2026 – qualified teams | Confederation |
| DR Congo | CAF |
| Bolivia | CONMEBOL |
| New Caledonia | OFC |
| TBC | CONCACAF |
| TBC | AFC |
With no senior call-up from England arriving, however, the 27-year-old made the decision to seek an alternative route to the World Cup.
Now, Wan-Bissaka is set to travel to North America next year for the tournament play-offs, with just two teams separating him and his teammates from history.
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