The Democratic Republic of Congo clinched victory on Sunday at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, winning the African playoff final for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers after defeating Nigeria 4-3 in a penalty shootout (regulation time and overtime: 1-1). With this victory, DR Congo has secured its place in the intercontinental playoffs, which will take place next March in Mexico. Franck Onyeka opened the scoring for the Super Eagles in the 3rd minute, before Elias Meschack equalized for DR Congo 30 minutes later. DRC earned its spot in the African playoff final by defeating Cameroon (1-0), while Nigeria ousted Gabon (4-1). In addition to DR Congo, the intercontinental playoffs will also feature two teams from Concacaf, one from the AFC, one from CONMEBOL (Bolivia), and one from the OFC (New Caledonia), in March 2026 during the international window (March 23-31). Two spots will be up for grabs to join the final lineup for the 2026 World Cup.
