World Cup 2026 play-offs: DR Congo learns its opponent!

World Cup 2026 20 November 2025 at 07:24

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI

News Editor

The intercontinental play-off draw for the 2026 World Cup has finally taken place in Zurich. Six nations now know the exact path they must take to secure one of the last two available spots. As a seeded team, DR Congo can be pleased with a favorable bracket: they will face the winner of the New Caledonia vs Jamaica showdown, a draw that stands out as one of the most advantageous of this edition. Meanwhile, Iraq, also a seeded team, will take on the winner of Bolivia vs Suriname.

The tournament will be held in Mexico, between Guadalajara and Monterrey, from March 23 to 31, 2026, with a straightforward format: semi-finals, followed by decisive finals. As a reminder, DR Congo booked their spot at this stage by knocking out Nigeria on penalties—an electrifying feat that has now sparked hopes of a historic World Cup qualification.

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