World Cup playoffs: Bakambu, Wissa fired up for Jamaica clash

The DR Congo are just hours away from qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as they prepare to face Jamaica in the final playoffs.

The Leopards will slug it out with the Reggae Boys on Tuesday, March 31 in Mexico for one of the slots for the World Cup with the DR Congo eying a return to the global football showpiece.

🇨🇩⚽️🇯🇲 « Je me sens bien. J’ai retrouvé la forme » Yoane Wissa à quelques heures d’affronter la Jamaïque

L’international Congolais retrouve la sélection après avoir raté la CAN 2025. Sa réaction sur le grand rendez-vous de demain au Mexique 🇲🇽

Léopards Infos Stats 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/QOUO0Si4pH

— Jenovic Mbowa (@jenovicmbowa1) March 30, 2026

Ahead of the game, Newcastle United forward, Yoan Wissa expressed confidence as well as asserting a clean bill of health.

“I feel good. I’ve regained my form,” Yoane Wissa just hours before facing Jamaica.

Wissa, 29, who is born in France but chose to represent DR Congo at the senior level, missed the squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations through injury.

Veteran forward, Cedric Bakambu, 34, who plies his trade for Real Betis added his voice to the news to go all out and qualify for the FIFA World Cup.

Cedric Bakambu targets important win

“We know what we must do. I have confidence in my teammates. We will rely on our strengths.”

🇯🇲⚽️🇨🇩 « Nous savons ce que nous devons faire. J’ai confiance en mes coéquipiers. Nous allons nous appuyer sur nos qualités »

Cédric Bakambu avant RDC Vs Jamaïque📌

Leopards Infos Stats 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/8qwkIHHZx1

— Jenovic Mbowa (@jenovicmbowa1) March 30, 2026

It will be return to the global stage for the first time in 52 years after their debut in 1974 as Zaire.

They eliminated Nigeria in the finals of the CAF qualifiers via a 4-3 penalty shootouts after full time ended 1-1 in Morocco.

Jamaica on the other hand pipped New Caledonia 1-0 to reach the finals of stage of the playoffs pathway.

DR Congo was eliminated from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in the round of 16 after a 1-0 extra-time loss to Algeria in Rabat.