Intercontinental playoffs: DR Congo to face Jamaica for a World Cup spot

World Cup 2026 27 March 2026 at 01:31

Nouya M'toama

News Editor

It will be Jamaica for DR Congo in the final of the intercontinental playoffs. The Reggae Boyz secured their spot in the ultimate showdown leading to the 2026 World Cup on Friday, March 27, by overcoming New Caledonia (1-0) after a largely controlled semi-final at the Akron Stadium in Zapopan.

Jamaica will now take on DR Congo on March 31. The Caribbean side made the breakthrough in the opening minutes of a match they managed with composure. Their dominance paid off in the 18th minute, when Bailey Cadamarteri found the back of the net following a set-piece situation. That early advantage was enough for the Jamaicans, who held on until the final whistle without ever truly being threatened.

A long wait on both sides

This victory sets up a decisive clash with the Democratic Republic of Congo, which promises to be fiercely contested. The Leopards, keen observers of this semi-final, now know exactly what awaits them against a strong, disciplined, and clinical Jamaican outfit, especially when it comes to managing key moments.

The stakes go far beyond a simple qualifying match. Jamaica dreams of returning to the World Cup stage, a scene they haven't graced since 1998. On the other side, DR Congo harbors the very same ambition, with an even longer wait: the Congolese haven't reached the World Cup since 1974.

The stage is set for March 31, 2026, in Guadalajara, where the final qualifying ticket for the 2026 World Cup will be up for grabs, promising to end the long drought for one of these two nations.