DR Congo heads into the final stage of the 2026 intercontinental playoff after defeating Nigeria in the African playoff.
The Leopards drew 1–1 and then sealed the result 4–3 on penalties, a victory that placed them one step from a second World Cup appearance.
The team now understands its route clearly after Asia and Concacaf completed their qualification playoffs.
Iraq joined the intercontinental lineup after a win over the United Arab Emirates, while Jamaica and Suriname secured their places on the final night of Concacaf action.
Their progress reshaped the bracket and created a scenario that strengthens DR Congo’s position.
Panama topped its group and qualified directly for the World Cup, which removed the Central Americans from the playoff picture. Costa Rica also exited the race after a disappointing campaign.
These outcomes shifted the rankings and placed DR Congo, ranked 56th by FIFA, in the seeded group alongside Iraq, ranked 60th.
The FIFA standings alone shaped that structure and placed the Leopards in a favourable position.
Seeded status gives the Congolese team a notable advantage. The Leopards move straight into the playoff final scheduled for March 2026 in Mexico.
They avoid the extra match that the unseeded teams must navigate and can focus entirely on planning for a single decisive contest.
Jamaica, Suriname, Bolivia, and New Caledonia will contest the semi-finals. Only one of them will earn the right to challenge DR Congo or Iraq in the final round.
Each team enters the bracket with ambition, knowing that one breakthrough performance could change an entire footballing future.
CAF will hold the draw on Thursday, 20 November 2025, to determine the potential opponents for DR Congo.
With the bracket now clear and the stakes defined, the Leopards approach the next phase with confidence and a direct route toward the World Cup within reach.
