The Leopards of DR Congo have been drawn against the winner of Jamaica vs. New Caledonia in the final of the intercontinental playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
DR Congo advanced to the playoffs after defeating Nigeria’s Super Eagles on penalties on Sunday. During Thursday’s draw in Zurich, Switzerland, Coach Sébastien Desabre’s side received a bye to the playoff final courtesy of their higher FIFA ranking.
They will now face whichever team emerges victorious from the Jamaica–New Caledonia semi-final as they battle for one of the remaining spots at the World Cup.
The intercontinental playoffs, scheduled for March 2025 in Mexico, will follow a straight knockout format with no return legs.
A win in the final would secure DR Congo a place at the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, making them Africa’s 10th representative in the expanded 48-team World Cup.
Although six teams will compete in the mini-tournament, only two qualification slots are available.
2026 World Cup Inter-Confederation Playoff Fixtures
Semi-finals
- New Caledonia vs. Jamaica
- Bolivia vs. Suriname
Finals
- New Caledonia/Jamaica vs. DR Congo
- Bolivia/Suriname vs. Iraq
The playoffs will be held in Mexico in March 2026.
