2026 World Cup: Who are DR Congo’s potential opponents in the intercontinental play-offs? | OneFootball

Who could DR Congo face in the intercontinental play-offs at the 2026 World Cup?

DR Congo/@CAF

By edging Nigeria in a dramatic African play-off final on penalties (1-1, 4-3 on pens), DR Congo have punched their ticket to the intercontinental play-offs, set for March 23 and 31, 2026, in Mexico.

The Leopards now know their four potential opponents. As top seeds alongside Iraq, thanks to their FIFA ranking, both nations are directly qualified for the finals, meaning they’ll each play just one match with a World Cup spot on the line.2026 World Cup.

Chancel Mbemba and his teammates will not face Iraq, who are eyeing a World Cup return for the first time since 1986. Instead, DR Congo could go up against Bolivia—seventh in South America’s qualifiers—Oceania’s New Caledonia, or one of the two CONCACAF hopefuls: Suriname or Jamaica.

The play-off draw will take place on Thursday, November 20, in Zurich. The format features two paths, each with a semi-final and a final. The two winners from the semi-finals—Bolivia, New Caledonia, Suriname, or Jamaica—will then challenge either Iraq or DR Congo for a place on football’s biggest stage.

Here are the six teams qualified for the intercontinental play-offs:

• Top seeds: Iraq, DR Congo