DR Congo attracts Belgian-born football talent

Several Belgian-born players have chosen to represent the DR Congo national football team, marking a trend of talent shifting from the Belgian youth systems to the African nation.

Ajax midfielder Jorthy Mokio has committed to DR Congo, though FIFA regulations may delay his eligibility until March 2028. Because Mokio appeared for the Belgian senior team for two minutes during a Nations League match against Ukraine in March 2025, he must serve a mandatory three-year waiting period. An appeal has reportedly been filed to attempt to accelerate this process.

Additionally, 21-year-old AS Monaco midfielder Stanis Idumbo has also opted for DR Congo. Idumbo, who previously played for Belgian youth teams and moved from Ajax to Sevilla and then Monaco, joins other recent players like Ezechiel Banzuzi and Anthony Musaba in making the switch.