Former Manchester United full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka had a World Cup to remember, despite being eliminated in the Round of 32 against England.
The 2026 World Cup is a historic tournament for the Democratic Republic of Congo for several reasons.
By qualifying for the World Cup this summer, DR Congo ended a 52-year drought. That coincided with their first-ever win in a finals – beating Uzbekistan 3-1 in Group K after a 1-1 draw with Portugal and a 1-0 defeat to Colombia. It was also the first time the African nation reached the knockout phase.
The DR Congo defence consisted of two former United players, Axel Tuanzebe and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who gave a good account of themselves at the tournament.
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Marcus Rashford couldn’t find a way past Aaron Wan-Bissaka
It was a frustrating evening for Marcus Rashford, who played against Wan-Bissaka before being substituted on the hour mark.
England got the result they desired – winning 2-1 – but Rashford struggled to have an impact on the game. The United winger was replaced by Anthony Gordon before England turned the game on its head.
Barcelona’s new signing, Gordon, recorded two assists for Harry Kane’s match-winning brace.
Rashford failed to dribble the ball past his former United teammate Wan-Bissaka, but he isn’t the only player to struggle against the West Ham defender.
Wan-Bissaka, 28, wasn’t dribbled past once during DR Congo’s entire World Cup campaign.
Teams that failed to dribble the ball past Wan-Bissaka:
- Portugal
- Colombia
- Uzbekistan
- England
Although Wan-Bissaka never became the world-class right-back United wanted him to be, one of his best traits has been in one-v-one situations.
Nicknamed ‘The Spider’, the ex-United man is renowned for his leg reach and unique sliding tackle technique. It makes it difficult for wingers like Rashford to get past him.
- ⚡️ NEWS IN BRIEF
- England beat DR Congo 2-1 in the World Cup Round of 32
- Marcus Rashford failed to dribble past Aaron Wan-Bissaka
- Wan-Bissaka has gone DR Congo’s entire 2026 World Cup without being dribbled past
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Uncertainty over Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s future
Wan-Bissaka signed for West Ham in 2024, leaving Old Trafford after five years.
West Ham were relegated from the Premier League, and in the final weeks of the 2025/26 season, Wan-Bissaka lost his place in the team to Kyle Walker-Peters.
It would still be a blow for West Ham to lose Wan-Bissaka now that they’re in the Championship, hoping not to wait long to reclaim their Premier League status.
Wan-Bissaka was voted player of the year at West Ham in 2024/25.
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