Aaron Wan-Bissaka was due to return to London in time for Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final match between West Ham and Leeds, but instead traveled to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka helped Democratic Republic of Congo qualify for the World Cup (Image: Luis Cano/Getty Images)
West Ham have lodged a complaint with FIFA after Aaron Wan-Bissaka did not return from international duty and missed the FA Cup quarter-final against Leeds. Wan-Bissaka helped the Democratic Republic of Congo defeat Jamaica to qualify for the World Cup last week, but was unable to return to London in time to play for the Hammers.
The right-back, who switched internationals from England to the Democratic Republic of Congo last year, featured in Mexico’s 1-0 win over Jamaica on March 31. West Ham had expected him to return for Sunday’s FA Cup tie against Leeds.
However, rather than return to London from Guadalajara, Wan-Bissaka traveled to Kinshasa with the Democratic Republic of Congo squad for a celebration hosted by President Félix Tshisekedi, who wanted to celebrate the team’s return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974.
Wan-Bissaka was part of the team, along with Real Betis striker Cedric Bakambu, Lille defender Chancel Mbemba, Burnley’s Axel Tuanzebe and former West Ham left-back Arthur Masuaku, who partied on top of a double-decker bus in the Congolese capital.
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According to a report in The Athletic, West Ham have not given Wan-Bissaka permission to return to the Democratic Republic of Congo for celebrations. They had booked the former Manchester United defender on a flight to London but were unhappy that he did not return.
He lodged a complaint with FIFA after scoring twice in stoppage time to make it 2-2 in the FA Cup against Leeds at the London Stadium, forcing extra time but losing on penalties. Kyle Walker-Peters played at right-back against Leeds, but Wan-Bissaka is in contention to play against Wolves in Friday’s crucial Premier League game.
Wan-Bissaka, who helped his country qualify for the World Cup, will now focus on keeping West Ham from being relegated. The Hammers are currently 18th in the table, one point behind Tottenham and in the relegation zone. They face bottom club Wolves on Friday before games against Crystal Palace, Everton and Brentford.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka was unable to return home in time from international duty (Image: Luis Cano/Getty Images)
Wan-Bissaka joined West Ham from Manchester United in 2024 for £15 million. He was named the club’s player of the year in his debut season and played in 22 league games this season as a right-back.
Since switching allegiance and making his debut in September, he has become an equally important figure for the Democratic Republic of Congo. He has appeared in nine games for his country, who are in Group K at the World Cup alongside Portugal, Uzbekistan and Colombia.
Wan-Bissaka, who posted ‘HISTORY WAS MADE’ on Instagram, received messages of support from former United team-mates Marcus Rashford and Anthony Elanga, as well as Hammers team-mates Walker-Peters, Crisencio Somerville and El Hadji Malic Diouf.
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“Today we celebrate our historic qualification to the 2026 World Cup,” Congo head coach Sebastian Desabres said after defeating Jamaica. “This is the result of the collective efforts, sacrifices and total dedication of our players, staff and federation, and the unwavering support of our government and the entire nation.”
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