DR Congo stand just one match away from securing a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Jamaica the final obstacle in Tuesday’s inter-continental playoff.
The Leopards will face Jamaica at Estadio Akron, knowing victory would complete a journey that began more than three years ago under Sebastien Desabre.
When Desabre took charge, qualification for the World Cup was the clear objective. Since then, DR Congo have shown steady progress, highlighted by a fourth-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
While their AFCON 2025 campaign ended in the round of 16, their World Cup qualifying run has been far more consistent. The Leopards narrowly missed out on automatic qualification, finishing just two points behind Senegal national football team after a strong campaign that included seven wins.
That near miss forced DR Congo into the playoff route, where they have demonstrated resilience and composure. A narrow 1-0 win over Cameroon national football team was followed by a tense penalty shootout victory against Nigeria national football team, underlining their ability to deliver in high-pressure situations.
Their preparations for the final have also been positive, with a 2-0 friendly victory over Bermuda offering further encouragement.
For Desabre, the match represents the culmination of a long-term project built on structure, discipline and gradual improvement. DR Congo have not always been dominant, but they have developed a reputation for finding results when it matters most.
Jamaica arrive as a well-organized opponent, having lost just once in qualifying and edged past New Caledonia to reach the final. However, the focus remains firmly on DR Congo and their opportunity to return to the global stage.
With one final hurdle to clear, the Leopards are now within touching distance of the 2026World Cup. Victory would not only confirm their place in the tournament but also validate years of rebuilding under Desabre.
Defeat, however, would leave a sense of what might have been after coming so close.
For DR Congo, the equation is simple — one more win to reach
