DR Congo to take on New Caledonia or Jamaica in intercontinental play-off final for 2026 World Cup spot
After the intercontinental play-off draw in Zurich, DR Congo’s path to the 2026 World Cup has been set, pitting them against either New Caledonia or Jamaica in a single-match final on March 31, 2025.
The Leopards, who secured their spot after a dramatic penalty shootout win against Nigeria, will enter the final as one of two seeded teams based on their FIFA ranking.
The tournament, held in Mexico in March 2026, will determine the last two teams to qualify for the expanded World Cup.
DR Congo’s opponent will be the winner of a semi-final clash between New Caledonia vs. Jamaica.
The four unseeded teams – Bolivia (CONMEBOL), Suriname (CONCACAF), Jamaica (CONCACAF), and New Caledonia (OFC) – were drawn into two semi-final matches.
Bolivia and Suriname will face each other, while Jamaica will play New Caledonia. The victors of these two semi-finals will then advance to play either DR Congo or Iraq, the other seeded team.
The draw marks the final hurdle for DR Congo in its quest to reach the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when the nation was known as Zaire.
Their recent victory over Nigeria demonstrated their resilience, with goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu becoming a hero after saving two crucial penalties.
The Leopards’ journey now continues to Mexico, where they will have a single opportunity to make history.
With the draw now finalized, the focus shifts to the upcoming matches in Mexico. The two tournament paths, each leading to a World Cup berth, will generate high stakes and drama.
DR Congo and Iraq, the seeded teams, will have the advantage of playing only one match, but the semi-final winners will have already gained crucial momentum.
