2026 World Cup Qualifiers/Intercontinental Playoffs: The Democratic Republic of Congo faces a tough challenge to qualify

The Democratic Republic of Congo will have a tough task ahead to achieve the feat of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. With the international playoffs fast approaching, the Leopards could (barring any surprises) face Bolivia on March 31 in Mexico, with Bolivia playing Suriname five days earlier.

Six footballing nations will compete for only two spots. New Caledonia, Jamaica, Bolivia, Suriname, Iraq, and the Democratic Republic of Congo will face off. Thanks to their FIFA ranking, the Iraqis, who defeated the United Arab Emirates in the AFC (Asia) playoffs, and the Congolese have a bye in the semi-finals. They will await the respective winners of the Bolivia-Suriname and New Caledonia-Jamaica matches scheduled for March 26.

Currently, 39 nations have confirmed their participation, with the final 6 (4 from the UEFA zone in Europe and 2 from the continental play-offs) expected in March, who will join the 3 host countries that have automatically qualified.