# DR Congo football nationality switches

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/dr-congo-football-nationality-switches
> Updated: 2026-09-10T11:00:00.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is seeing an influx of young football talent as several players opt to represent the nation rather than European countries where they were trained.

Initially, players such as Ezechiel Banzuzi, a midfielder for RB Leipzig who previously played for the Netherlands Under-21 side, and Noah Mbamba, who was trained in Belgian youth systems, began the process of switching their sporting nationality to the DR Congo. 

This trend continued with Belgian-born players committing to the Congolese national team. Jorthy Mokio has committed to the DR Congo, though his eligibility may be delayed until March 2028 due to FIFA regulations following an appearance for the Belgian senior team. Additionally, midfielder Stanis Idumbo has opted to represent the DR Congo, joining other recent switchers such as Anthony Musaba.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-10: DR Congo attracts Belgian-born football talent

Belgian-born players Jorthy Mokio and Stanis Idumbo have chosen to represent DR Congo, with Mokio facing a potential eligibility delay until 2028 due to FIFA regulations.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dr-congo-attracts-belgian-born-football-talent

### 2026-09-08: DR Congo attracts young football talents Banzuzi and Mbamba

Footballers Ezechiel Banzuzi and Noah Mbamba have begun processes to switch their sporting nationality to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, moving away from the Netherlands and Belgium.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dr-congo-attracts-young-football-talents-banzuzi-and-mbamba

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Cite as: DR Congo football nationality switches. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/dr-congo-football-nationality-switches