Mario Stroeykens: World Cup dream ends for DR Congo midfielder

DR Congo’s attacking midfielder Mario Stroeykens’s dream of playing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been dealt a huge blow following an injury last weekend.

The 21-year-old, who got injured in the 21st minute during their 2-1 win at Mechelen last Saturday, is out for the rest of the season.

Having displayed great character under Anderlecht manager Jeremy Taravel, Stroeykens’ participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is now in jeopardy.

🚨 𝗙𝗜𝗡 𝗗𝗘 𝗦𝗔𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗡 𝗣𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗘𝗬𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗦 !

Sorti sur blessure à la 21ème minute de jeu face à Malines, Mario Stroeykens est forfait pour le reste de la saison. 🏥

Sa participation à la Coupe du Monde est compromise. pic.twitter.com/REOFqBGrQg

— Actu Foot RD Congo 🇨🇩 (@ActuFootRDCongo) April 27, 2026

World football governing body FIFA approved his request to switch nationality and play for DR Congo in November 2025 having previously featured for Belgium’s junior and youth teams.

Having represented Belgium at the U-15 level until the U-21, he was called up for the first time to play for the DR Congo national team in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying play-offs against Cameroon.

However, he missed out on making his senior debut shortly afterwards due to injury, which later also forced him to withdraw from the Leopard’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

For this season with Anderlecht, his impressive performance includes 20 Jupiler Pro League appearances with a goal scored.

DR Congo first World Cup in 52-years

DR Congo defied many odds and obstacles to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World for the first time in 52-years.

After eliminating Nigeria in the finals of the CAF final qualifiers in Morocco via a 4-3 penalty shootouts, the Leopards saw off Jamaica 1-0 in the finals of the inter-confederation playoffs in Mexico.

DR Congo first played at the World Cup in 1974 as Zaire and Stroeykens’ injury will be a big miss as he looks to make a debut at the bigger stage.