After a turbulent season at Newcastle, the dynamic forward leads the Leopards into their first World Cup in 52 years, seeking redemption and national glory on the world stage.
Yoane Wissa heads into the 2026 FIFA World Cup carrying both personal ambition and national expectation as the Democratic Republic of Congo prepare for their first appearance at the tournament in 52 years. The Newcastle United forward has spoken of the pride associated with representing a nation making a long-awaited return to football’s biggest stage, with DR Congo, who competed as Zaire in 1974 finally back among the world’s elite.
For Wissa, the tournament represents more than just another international competition. It is an opportunity to help write a new chapter in Congolese football history. The 29-year-old has become one of the leading figures in Sébastien Desabre’s squad and played an important role in the country’s journey to qualification. Earlier this year, he returned from injury to feature in DR Congo’s successful World Cup playoff campaign, helping the Leopards secure their place in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan.
The World Cup comes after a frustrating first season at Newcastle United. Wissa arrived on Tyneside in a high-profile move from Brentford for a fee reported to be around £55 million, but his campaign never truly got going. Injury problems disrupted his adaptation to Eddie Howe’s side, while competition for places limited his opportunities to establish a consistent run in the team. Reports throughout the season suggested the forward struggled to find rhythm and form after missing significant time with a knee injury suffered while on international duty with DR Congo.
The injury setback was particularly cruel given the excitement surrounding his arrival. Newcastle viewed Wissa as an important attacking addition following his prolific spell at Brentford, where he had developed a reputation as one of the Premier League’s most dangerous forwards. Instead, his first season on Tyneside became a battle for fitness, confidence and minutes on the pitch. By the end of the campaign, questions remained about his long-term future despite flashes of the quality that convinced Newcastle to sign him.
Now, the World Cup offers Wissa a chance to remind supporters exactly what he can do. Newcastle's coaching staff will be watching closely as DR Congo begin their campaign against Portugal before facing Colombia and Uzbekistan in Group K.
From Newcastle’s perspective, the ideal scenario is not only a successful tournament for DR Congo but also evidence that Wissa can rediscover the sharpness, movement and finishing ability that made him such a threat at Brentford. The Magpies will hope to see him stay injury-free, lead the line with confidence and contribute goals against elite opposition. A strong World Cup could provide the perfect springboard for a much-improved 2026-27 season at club level.
For DR Congo, Wissa represents one of the faces of a new generation determined to leave a mark on the global stage. For Newcastle, he is a player with a point to prove. And for Wissa himself, the chance to help his nation make history after more than half a century away from the World Cup may be the motivation he needs to produce the performances of his career. As the Leopards prepare to face some of world football’s biggest names, their star forward knows that a memorable tournament could transform both his international legacy and his future at Newcastle United.
