World Cup 2026: DR Congo steps up preparation for playoff as Nigerians await 'FIFA verdict'
While the NFF keep assuring Nigerians that the Super Eagles still has chance of participating in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, DR Congo, the country they protested against, is stepping up preparation for the World Cup playoff at the end of the month.
For DR Congo qualifying from the playoff promises to be historic for Africa. For the first time, 48 national teams will compete in the tournament’s final stage, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
This major evolution directly benefits the African continent, which now has guaranteed nine representatives at the tournament.
But that number could still rise for Africa. The Democratic Republic of Congo will play a decisive playoff at the end of March against the winner of the Jamaica vs. New Caledonia clash.
This is a golden opportunity for the Leopards to increase the number of African teams at the 2026 World Cup to ten.
For Rafael Hamidi, DR Congo’s assistant coach under Sébastien Desabre, this increase in Africa’s quota is a logical step forward for the continent’s football:
‘‘It was time for African football to be recognised for its true value. Five participants simply weren’t enough. Thankfully, African teams have shown their quality in recent editions.’’
The highly experienced coach is notably referring to Morocco’s sensational run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where the Atlas Lions reached the semi-finals—a first for any African nation.
According to Rafael Hamidi, this recognition is also due to the impact African players have on the global stage:
African football is already very well represented around the world. African players are thriving at the top clubs, and they’re often the ones making the difference.’’
With the intercontinental playoff approaching, Rafael Hamidi emphasises the significance of the challenge for DR Congo, but also for the entire continent:
‘’ We hope to become the tenth nation. We have a huge responsibility, not just for DR Congo, because the whole country will be behind us. But we’ll be representing the entire continent.’’
At this stage, the nine African teams already qualified for the 2026 World Cup are: Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, South Africa, Ivory Coast, Cape Verde, Ghana, and Senegal. The Democratic Republic of Congo could join them on March 31, giving Africa a record presence at this World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
