FIFA Interview Suggests DR Congo Confirmed as Africa’s Representative in 2026 World Cup Play-off
FIFA has published an interview with Sébastien Desabre that strongly suggests DR Congo national football team are firmly recognised as Africa’s representative in the inter-confederation play-off for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The interview, released on FIFA’s official platforms, repeatedly refers to the Congolese national team as the side preparing for the decisive match that could secure qualification for the tournament in North America.
That description appears significant because FIFA had earlier confirmed the line-up for the play-off competition, listing DR Congo as the African participant. The latest interview reinforces that position and treats the Leopards as the team representing the continent in the final stage of qualification.
For the Nigeria Football Federation, the development could be a worrying sign. Nigeria had previously lodged a protest over the outcome of the qualification process, hoping the decision might be reviewed. However, the tone of the interview suggests that FIFA is moving forward with DR Congo as the officially recognised side.
According to FIFA, the Congolese team need to win one final match to secure a place at the World Cup. Their opponent will be either Jamaica national football team or New Caledonia national football team in the play-off final scheduled for Guadalajara, Mexico, on 31 March.
Before that decisive match, DR Congo will play a friendly against Bermuda national football team on 25 March as part of their preparations.
With just one match separating his team from a historic qualification, Desabre said his players are ready for the challenge and are focusing on their own performance.
“We’re not afraid of anyone. We’re going to give it our all,” Desabre said.
“As a minimum, we need to replicate the kind of performance we delivered against Nigeria national football team.”
He added that his team have already studied their possible opponents.
“We know all about Jamaica and New Caledonia. We’ve been scouting them. We’ll also have the chance to watch them play in Mexico on 26 March, but for now we’re focusing on our own players.”
DR Congo reached this stage after defeating Nigeria in a dramatic encounter that ended 1–1 before the Leopards won 4–3 on penalties.
Desabre also spoke about the pressure of being one match away from the World Cup but stressed the need for calm and focus.
“We all want to go to the World Cup, but we can’t let our emotions get the better of us. What matters is playing well and giving everything on the pitch.
“We need to perform well on the day to make Congo proud. The Congolese people are passionate about football, and many of them are going through difficult times. I know the whole nation will stop to watch the match on 31 March. We hope we can give our fans the lift they deserve.”
Although the interview does not directly mention Nigeria’s protest, FIFA’s presentation of DR Congo as the team preparing for the play-off final reinforces the organisation’s earlier position.
If the Leopards win the decisive match in Guadalajara, they will secure qualification for the expanded 2026 World Cup. It would be the country’s first appearance at the tournament since 1974, when the nation competed under the name Zaire.
