World Cup 2026: Which opponents await DR Congo in the intercontinental playoff?

16.11.25 AP World Cup Qualification CAF

Nigeria

1 (3)

:

DR Congo

(4) 1

DR Congo has secured its spot in the World Cup qualifying playoff for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, after a thrilling penalty shootout win (4-3) against Nigeria.

The "Congolese Leopards" triumphed over the Super Eagles at Prince Hassan Stadium in Rabat during the final of the African playoff for the World Cup.

Following this qualification, the players under French coach Sébastien Desabre now await the draw for the intercontinental playoff, scheduled for Thursday, November 20 at 1:00 p.m. at FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland.

DR Congo, Bolivia, New Caledonia: The first nations qualified for the World Cup intercontinental playoffs

So far, three teams have already punched their ticket to the global playoff: DR Congo, Bolivia, and New Caledonia.

The other three nations will be revealed this Tuesday.

The intercontinental playoff will bring together six teams from different confederations: DR Congo (Africa), Bolivia (South America), and New Caledonia (Oceania) are already through.

For Asia, the winner of the second leg between the United Arab Emirates and Iraq, set for Tuesday, November 18, will join after the first leg ended 1-1.

From the CONCACAF region, the two best second-placed teams in their respective playoffs, determined after the final qualifying matchday on Tuesday, will also book their place in the global playoff.

2026 World Cup: DR Congo just one step away from making history

Mohamed Rek |

Editorfr, ar, en

Mohamed Rek- sports content writer with over 10 years of experience creating football content in Arabic and French for platforms such as Foot Africa and Starafrica, combining accuracy, creativity, and audience engagement.

Related teams and leagues

Nigeria

DR Congo

World Cup Qualification CAF