DR Congo have been dealt a setback ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defender Rocky Bushiri was ruled out of the tournament through injury.
Bushiri, who had been included in the Leopards’ final World Cup squad, sustained the injury during training and will now miss the competition entirely, ending his hopes of representing DR Congo on football’s biggest stage.
The late withdrawal has forced the national team into a reshuffle as preparations intensify for the tournament.
Team officials moved quickly to address the absence, confirming the inclusion of midfielder Aaron Tshibola as Bushiri’s replacement in the squad.
Tshibola returns to the international setup as an experienced option for the Leopards, offering additional depth and versatility as the coaching staff make final adjustments ahead of the World Cup.
His call-up provides another opportunity to contribute on the global stage following previous involvement with the national team.
Bushiri’s absence represents a blow to DR Congo’s defensive plans at a crucial stage of preparation, particularly as the Leopards prepare for only their second appearance at the World Cup.
Despite the setback, the team is expected to continue fine-tuning its squad and tactical approach in the coming weeks.
DR Congo are scheduled to compete in Group K, where they will face Portugal national football team, Colombia national football team and Uzbekistan national football team as they prepare for a demanding campaign in North America.
