Andrew Olsson
November 19, 2025World Cup (Q): DR Congo’s playoff opponents confirmed
Photo: FECOFA
World Cup (Q): DR Congo’s playoff opponents confirmed
More nations punched their tickets to the finals after 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying completed fixtures for three confederations on Tuesday. Scotland, Spain and Belgium were among the teams who qualified out of Europe while CONCACAF nations Panama, Haiti and Curaçao (the smallest ever nation to qualify) also qualified directly in the evening.
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For African playoff winners DR Congo, the Leopards now know the complete list of opponents they will face at the inter-confederation playoff tournament that will take place next March in Mexico.
Iraq will represent Asia’s AFC after a dramatic 2-1 second leg victory at home against United Arab Emirates in Basra. Amir Al Ammari converted from the penalty spot in the 17th minute of stoppage time to send Iraq through after a 1-1 first leg draw in the UAE.
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Later on Tuesday evening it was North America’s CONCACAF region that finished up with Suriname and Jamaica confirming their places at the inter-confederation playoffs under rather disappointing circumstances. Jamaica needed a win against Curaçao in Kingston and failed to break through in a 0-0 draw to make the Dutch-speaking island nation the smallest nation to ever qualify for the World Cup finals.
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For supporters of Suriname, the evening was a strange one. Hoping for a victory over Guatemala away from home to stay ahead of Panama in their group and secure their own first-ever qualification, Suriname went down 0-3 and were on the verge of being eliminated. However, a goal in second half stoppage time kept them alive with a 1-3 defeat to reach the playoff ahead of Honduras due to goals scored in the group stage.
So the three nations join DR Congo, Bolivia and New Caledonia in the six-team playoff. DR Congo and Iraq, as the highest ranked participants, will each get a bye to the final round. Jamaica, Suriname, Bolivia and New Caledonia will compete in the semifinals with the draw set to take place on November 20.
The inter-confederation playoff will take place during the FIFA window from March 23-31 in Guadalajara and Monterrey where two teams will be confirmed to complete the field of 48 nations.
