DR Congo eye World Cup: date and time for playoff tournament in Mexico

The DR Congo national football team will be at the center of attention as the playoff tournament for the FIFA World Cup 2026 gets underway in Mexico, with only two spots available for the finals.

The tournament will run from March 26 to March 31, bringing together teams from different continents in a decisive knockout format.

DR Congo’s Path to World Cup Qualification

Representing Africa, DR Congo enter the playoff at the final stage of their bracket, needing just one victory to secure a place at the World Cup.

First Ticket Path

• Semi-final:
  New Caledonia vs Jamaica national football team
  (Friday, 03:00 GMT)
• Final:
  Winner of the semi-final vs DR Congo national football team
  (March 31, 21:00 GMT)

This structure gives DR Congo a crucial advantage, as they await their opponent directly in the final, just one step away from qualification.

Other Playoff Path

On the other side, the second ticket will be decided through:

• Semi-final:
  Bolivia national football team vs Suriname national football team
  (March 26, 22:00 GMT)
• Final:
  Winner vs Iraq national football team
  (April 1, 03:00 GMT)

Host Cities

The playoff matches will be staged in:

• Guadalajara
• Monterrey

Both cities are set to play key roles in the upcoming World Cup, with Guadalajara hosting four group-stage matches, while Monterrey will host three group-stage games and a Round of 32 fixture.

Final Push for World Cup 2026

With 42 teams already qualified for the tournament across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, these playoff encounters offer two chances to reach football’s biggest stage.

For “Les Léopards”, the mission is clear: one win to make history.

⚽ Follow Pan-Africa Football across platforms for real-time news and stories.