VANCOUVER, BC – Whitecaps FC 2 (WFC2) defender Dembo Saidykhan has been called up to The Gambia's men's national team for upcoming CAF 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup Qualifiers in June. This marks the first time Saidykhan has been called up to the senior team.
The defender will be joining his national team for a pair of matches in the third matchday of group stage play. The first match of the window sees The Gambia face Seychelles on Saturday, June 8 at Berkane Municipal Stadium in Berkane, Morocco, with kickoff set for 9 a.m. PT.
The Gambia will then wrap up the window with a match against Gabon on Tuesday, June 11, with kickoff set for 12 p.m. PT. The match is scheduled to take place at Franceville Stadium in Franceville, Gabon.
Saidykhan has previously represented his country at the youth level, making two appearances at the 2023 U-20 Africa Cup and playing in all four matches at the 2023 FIFA U-20 Men's World Cup, making three starts.
During his time with WFC2, Saidykhan has started two of his three appearances, helping the side gain two victories and one clean sheet.
