Yoane Wissa Sends DR Congo Back To World Cup After 52 Years — Wissa Newcastle

wissa newcastle moves into the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the Democratic Republic of Congo, and he gets there after helping push them through the playoff campaign. DR Congo will return to the tournament for the first time in 52 years, with Wissa now part of Sébastien Desabre’s leading group.

Wissa returned from injury earlier this year and featured in DR Congo’s successful World Cup playoff run. The 29-year-old’s fitness had already been a major issue at Newcastle United, where his first season was disrupted by injury problems.

Wissa and DR Congo

The forward has become one of the leading figures in Desabre’s squad. That status matters because DR Congo need his edge again in Group K, where Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan await.

DR Congo earned their place at the World Cup after competing as Zaire in 1974. Wissa’s role in getting them there was not decorative; he came back into the side in time for the playoff campaign and stayed in the frame as the team secured qualification.

Newcastle’s £55 million move

His club story has been messier. Newcastle signed him from Brentford last summer for a fee reported to be around £55 million, expecting another attacking option after his prolific spell there.

Instead, injuries slowed the start of his time on Tyneside. A knee injury suffered on international duty with DR Congo cost him significant time, and competition for places limited his opportunities even after he returned.

That leaves Newcastle watching the same player DR Congo are leaning on. If Wissa stays fit through the World Cup, his performances in Group K will shape more than one campaign: they will also tell Newcastle whether the forward who arrived for £55 million has finally settled into his role.