Five San Diego FC (SDFC) players have been called up to represent their national teams during the November FIFA international break. The group includes Forward Cédric Bakamabu (DR Congo), midfielder Onni Valakari (Finland) goalkeeper CJ Dos Santos (Cape Verde) and Goalkeeper Duran Ferree (U.S. U-23) and Midfielder David Vazquez (U.S. U-23).
Cédric Bakambu (DR Congo)
Forward Cédric Bakambu will represent DR Congo in two qualifying matches for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations as part of Group E. The DR Congo will face Sierra Leone in two matches, hosting them on Thursday, Nov. 12 before facing off again on Tuesday, Nov. 17. Bakambu has registered 72 senior caps and has registered 21 goals and six assists in all competitions including three appearances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026™ as part of Group K.
Onni Valakari – Finland
Midfielder Onni Valakari will represent Finland in its upcoming UEFA Nations League matches as part of Group C. Finland will face Albania on Thursday, Nov. 12, before taking on San Marino on Tuesday, Sunday, Nov. 15. Valakari, 27, has earned 18 senior caps for Finland to date, including five appearances in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
CJ Dos Santos – Cape Verde
Goalkeeper CJ Dos Santos will join Cape Verde for two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches in Group K. Cape Verde will face Liberia on Friday, Nov. 13, before a second match against Liberia on Tuesday, Nov. 17. Dos Santos has earned one senior cap for Cape Verde and represented the nation at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ this summer.
Duran Ferree & David Vazquez (U.S. U-23)
Goalkeeper Duran Ferree and Midfielder David Vazquez join the U.S. Under-23 Men’s National Team for its first camp ahead of the 2028 Olympic cycle held in San Pedro del Pinatar, Spain. The USA will have two friendly matches facing off against Scotland on Sunday, Nov. 17 and against the Ukraine on Tuesday, Nov. 17 both at Pinatar Arena. The camp is head coach Steve Cherundolo’s first since he was named to the role in June, as the U.S. U-23 MNT begins building its player pool ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
The five players will depart for international duty following SDFC’s 2026 MLS Regular Season finale against Sporting Kansas City on Saturday, Nov. 7 at Snapdragon Stadium. Tickets for SDFC’s Military Appreciation Night, presented by Liberty Military Housing on Saturday, Nov. 7 are available at SanDiegoFC.com/Tickets.
