DRC await Caledonia or Jamaica in World Cup playoff
The Democratic Republic of Congo players line up before their 2026 Fifa World Cup - Caf qualifiers playoffs against Nigeria at Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium, Rabat in Morocco on November 16, 2025.
What you need to know:
- The Democratic Republic of Congo kept alive hopes of a World Cup place as they edged out Nigeria 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw following extra time.
- Jamaica failed to get the win needed over Curacao to qualify directly, leading Steve McClaren to resign as their head coach despite reaching the playoffs.
The Democratic Republic of Congo will play either New Caledonia or Jamaica to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after the inter-confederation playoff tournament draw was held on Thursday to decide the pathways that determine two slots for the 2026 World Cup.
Meanwhile, Iraq await either Bolivia or Suriname in the other pathway. The six teams from the AFC, CAF, CONCACAF, CONMEBOL and the OFC confederations will play in the inter-confederation playoff tournament in Guadalajara and Monterrey in March.
Seeded teams Iraq and the Democratic Republic of Congo directly advanced to the two playoff finals.
Iraq are trying to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since their debut appearance in 1986. Graham Arnold’s side reached the playoffs in dramatic fashion by beating the United Arab Emirates with a penalty in the 17th minute of stoppage time for a 3-2 aggregate win.
African qualifying playoffs
DR Congo kept alive hopes of a World Cup place as they edged out continental powerhouse Nigeria 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw following extra time to win the African qualifying playoffs.
Jamaica failed to get the win needed over Curacao to qualify directly, leading Steve McClaren to resign as their head coach despite reaching the playoffs. Bolivia finished seventh in the South American qualifiers, sealing the playoff spot with a shock 1-0 win over Brazil in the final round of games.
A separate draw was held for the European playoffs where 16 teams will battle it out for four remaining spots.
Two slots in 2026 Fifa World Cup will be up for grabs when the six-team playoff tournament takes place in Mexico from March 23-31 in the cities of Guadalajara and Monterrey for one last chance at making the World Cup, which will start in June and take place in USA, Canada and Mexico.
Playoff tournament draw
Pathway 1
Semi-final 1: New Caledonia v Jamaica
Final: Democratic Republic of Congo v Winner of SF1
Pathway 2
Semi-final 2: Bolivia v Suriname
Final: Iraq v Winner of SF2
