World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Who is Ngakia, the new Leopard?

World Cup 2026 11 March 2025 at 11:38

Imed Ben Amara

News Editor

With Axel Tuanzebe sidelined due to a muscle injury, the Congolese national team has turned its attention to the dual-national gem Jeremy Ngakia.

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Ranked 3rd in their Group B, the Leopards will face South Sudan and Mauritania as part of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Here are 5 things to know about the newcomer Jeremy Ngakia:

• Born in England to Congolese parents, he is eligible to represent both the Leopards and the Three Lions.
• A former member of the West Ham academy, he joined Watford in 2020 as a free agent.
• He has participated in 19 matches in this season's Championship, scoring a goal against Sheffield United on matchday 26.
• Primarily a right-back, he can also play as a right midfielder or left-back.
• His market value is currently estimated at 1.5 million euros, which is 2.5 million euros less than it was in 2021.