World Cup: Hibernian and DRC defender Bushiri suffers injury setback

Hibernian defender Rocky Bushiri’s chances of making DR Congo’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been dealt a blow.

An early forced change for Hibs as Rocky Bushiri is forced off with an injury.

🥬 0-0 🟡 | 16’ | #WHPREM pic.twitter.com/jpb2UCSC3u

— Hibernian Football Club (@HibernianFC) May 16, 2026

The Congolese defender was forced to leave the pitch as early as the 16th minute of play with an injury during Hibernian’s 0-1 home loss against ten-man Motherwell on Saturday.

The nature of his the injury has not yet been disclosed with days before the release of the next Leopards squad list for mundial.

DR Congo head coach Sebastien Desabre is expected to hold a press conference on Monday, May 17 to announce his preliminary squad. The injury could hamper Bushiri’s chances of making the cut if an examination confirms the gravity of the injury.

The 26-year-old centre-back was a member of the Leopards squad at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where he played one game during their journey to the Round of 16. A painful 0-1 loss against Algeria kicked them out of the tournament but they made amends by qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The former Norwich City defender has made 23 appearances with three goals as Hibernian sit 5th on the Group A league table with 57 points. Having represented Belgium at youth level, the former KV Oostende player has seven caps with a goal for the Leopards.

He could make his debut FIFA World Cup in Mexico, Canada and USA if he recovers in time. The Leopards are paired with Portugal, Uzbekistan and Colombia in Group K.