World Cup 2026: DR Congo's journey to the intercontinental playoff final

Africa 31 March 2026 at 05:42

Imed Ben Amara

News Editor

31.03.26 AET World Cup Qualification Inter-Confederation

DR Congo

1

:

Jamaica

0

DR Congo has a date with history this Tuesday, March 31, as they face Jamaica in the grand final of the intercontinental playoffs for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Kick-off is set for 21:00 GMT at Akron Stadium (Estadio Guadalajara).

The Leopards are aiming to secure a place in the World Cup finals, a feat they haven't achieved since the 1974 edition held in West Germany.

Official: FIFA unveils its new rankings after AFCON 2025

Before reaching this intercontinental playoff final, the two-time African champions took part in the African qualifiers, finishing second in their group with 22 points (7 wins, 1 draw, and 2 defeats), just two points behind group leaders Senegal, who qualified directly for the 2026 World Cup.

Pulled back into contention as the best runner-up, the Congolese squad played in the African playoffs last November. In the semi-final, they edged past Cameroon by the narrowest of margins, before defeating Nigeria in the final on penalties, 4-3, after the match ended 1-1 in regulation time.

Related teams and leagues

DR Congo

Jamaica

World Cup Qualification Inter-Confederation