Michel-Ange Balikwisha may not be enjoying much success at club level with Celtic right now, but he has a chance to be a part of history.

Balikwisha was called up to the DR Congo squad for the first time after being granted permission to switch from his Belgian nationality.

He was thrown straight into the lion’s den with a 2026 World Cup play-off semi-final against Cameroon on Thursday night.

The winner of that tie would advance to the final to play Nigeria this Sunday for a place in the six-team intercontinental qualifier to determine the last two nations to qualify for the World Cup.

Michel-Ange Balikwisha checks out the Hampden Park pitch before Celtic vs RangersPhoto by Ian MacNicol/Getty ImagesDR Congo score last-minute winner against Cameroon

DR Congo have been on the up of late and have recruited the likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka to try and qualify for a first World Cup since 1974.

They had the odds stacked against them, facing a Cameroon side with plenty of talent.

However, as the clock ticked into second-half stoppage time, Chancel Mbemba rose the highest from a corner and headed home to send DR Congo to the play-off final.

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Unfortunately for Balikwisha, he was made to watch from the substitute’s bench, but will be hoping to make his debut against Nigeria.

Michel-Ange Balikwisha set for Africa Cup of Nations bow

It has been a long time coming for the 23-year-old to switch from Belgium to DR Congo, and his decision will now affect Celtic in the winter months.

With the Africa Cup of Nations beginning in December, the Hoops are expected to lose Sebastian Tounekti and potentially Kelechi Iheanacho.

By representing DR Congo, Balikwisha could also be called up for the tournament, which takes place between Sunday, 21 December 2025, to Sunday, 18 January 2026.

This would mean missing the Glasgow derby against Rangers, as well as weakening the number of wide options available in the side.