World Cup 2026: DR Congo and Nigeria Battle for African Play-Off Final Spot

The Democratic Republic of Congo faces Nigeria on Sunday in Rabat, Morocco, for the final of Africa’s play-offs to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The winner will join nine other African teams at the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, while also earning a place in the March intercontinental play-offs against sides from other regions.

Both teams scraped through their semi-finals. Nigeria, the higher-ranked side, beat Gabon 4-1 after extra time. Akor Adams scored first in the 75th minute, but Mario Lemina levelled it soon after. Victor Osimhen, who had a quiet start to the qualifiers, then grabbed two goals in extra time to seal the win for the Super Eagles. They had gone four games without a victory before their new coach, Eric Chelle, took over and a last-minute rule tweak helped them past Benin.

The DR Congo, seen as the underdogs, pulled off a 1-0 upset against Cameroon. They held out under pressure until captain Chancel Mbemba headed in a late winner in stoppage time. Coach Sébastien Desabre has rebuilt the Leopards since 2022, topping their group in qualifiers and finishing fourth at last year’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria brings a sharp attack with stars like Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, and Alex Iwobi, backed by a strong midfield from Wilfred Ndidi and solid defenders such as William Troost-Ekong. The DR Congo relies on a tough backline led by Mbemba, quick recoveries in the middle from Samuel Moutoussamy and Charles Pickel, and fast breaks through forwards Cédric Bakambu and Dieumerci Bongonda.

The duel features Osimhen, the Champions League’s leading scorer at Galatasaray and a past African player of the year, against Mbemba, his DR Congo counterpart and fellow award winner from France’s top league. Osimhen’s hot streak has powered Nigeria, including a 4-0 thrashing of Benin, while Mbemba’s smarts and strength keep the Leopards steady.

A win sends the victor to the intercontinental play-offs but not straight to the World Cup. Nigeria’s ranking would likely put them in a final there, while the DR Congo might face a tougher draw from the Americas.