DR Congo to Face Nigeria in World Cup Play-off Final After Late Win Over Cameroon
Chancel Mbemba was the hero for DR Congo as his stoppage-time goal sealed a dramatic 1–0 victory over Cameroon, setting up a mouthwatering final clash with Nigeria in the African play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Leopards captain struck in the first minute of added time, drifting away from his marker to head home Brian Cipenga’s deep corner and stun the five-time African champions at the Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay Al Hassan in Rabat.
It was a heartbreaking night for Cameroon, who hold the African record for the most World Cup appearances with eight but will now miss the expanded 48-team tournament next year.
The semi-final was a tight and tense affair, played under heavy rain that made conditions difficult. Both teams created few clear chances, with Congo’s Cedric Bakambu forcing a fine low save from Andre Onana on the hour mark, while Bryan Mbeumo fired narrowly wide for Cameroon shortly after.
The Indomitable Lions had two late opportunities through Karl Etta Eyong, but the forward failed to convert before Mbemba’s last-gasp winner sent the Congolese fans into wild celebration.
The result means DR Congo, whose only World Cup appearance came in 1974 when they were known as Zaire, will now take on Nigeria — who defeated Gabon 4–1 after extra time earlier in the day — in Sunday’s play-off final in Rabat.
The winner of the final will advance to a six-team intercontinental qualifier in March, where two nations will secure the final spots at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Both DR Congo and Nigeria will be chasing history, with the Super Eagles aiming to reach their seventh World Cup and the Leopards dreaming of a return to football’s biggest stage after more than five decades.
