The Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo have secured a place in the final stage of the intercontinental playoffs for the 2026 World Cup, where they will face either Jamaica or New Caledonia.
Their advancement comes days after their tense penalty-shootout victory over Nigeria’s Super Eagles, a result that pushed them one step closer to a historic World Cup appearance.
The decisive draw, conducted on Thursday in Zurich, Switzerland, placed Coach Sébastien Desabre’s men directly into the playoff final. Their superior FIFA ranking gave them a bye, ensuring they avoid the semifinal round and await the winner of the Jamaica versus New Caledonia clash.
The playoffs, scheduled for March 2025 in Mexico, will feature a high-stakes format with no second-leg fixtures. The competition is strictly winner-take-all, meaning only the victors of each final will earn a spot at the expanded 48-team World Cup taking place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
A win in the final would make DR Congo Africa’s tenth representative at the global showpiece, a significant milestone for the Central African nation. The intercontinental playoff mini-tournament will see six teams compete for just two remaining tickets, heightening the pressure and intensity of the matchups.
Following Thursday’s draw, the fixtures for the inter-confederation playoffs are as follows:
Semi-finals:
New Caledonia vs Jamaica
Bolivia vs Suriname
Finals:
New Caledonia/Jamaica vs DR Congo
Bolivia/Suriname vs Iraq
All games will be played in Mexico in March 2026.
What You Should Know
DR Congo has not qualified for the World Cup since 1974, when they participated as Zaire.
Under Coach Sébastien Desabre, the team has shown renewed discipline, structure, and competitive spirit, highlighted by their recent victory over Nigeria.
Their strong FIFA ranking helped them skip the semifinal stage, giving them a strategic advantage heading into the playoffs. A successful outing in Mexico would mark a long-awaited return to football’s biggest stage.
