The Democratic Republic of Congo has pledged a $1 million bonus to each member of its national football team if they qualify for the intercontinental play-offs of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Leopards will compete in the crucial CAF play-offs during the November international window, beginning with a showdown against Cameroon on Thursday, November 13. A victory would set up a decisive clash against either Nigeria or Gabon for a place in the intercontinental play-offs.
According to Sport News Africa, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi has introduced a major incentive to boost Sébastien Desabre’s squad, promising every player $1 million should they secure qualification.
“Acting on President Félix Tshisekedi’s directive, the Congolese government has approved a special financial package to encourage the team. Each player will receive $1 million upon qualification, with Rawbank designated to process the payments immediately after confirmation on November 16, the date of the African play-off final,” the report stated.
The incentive, however, applies solely to the players, excluding head coach Desabre and his technical crew.
Government officials say the move is designed to give the Leopards an added motivation as they aim for their first World Cup appearance since 1974.
While most African teams are engaged in friendlies this month, DR Congo, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Gabon are focused on qualification.
The CAF-organised African play-offs feature four of the continent’s best runners-up from the group stage. The mini-tournament — comprising two single-leg semi-finals and a final — will take place in Morocco between November 13 and 16.
The overall winner will advance to the inter-confederation play-offs in March 2026, where the final qualification spots for the expanded 48-team World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States will be decided.
