DR Congo clinches spot in inter-confederation playoffs for the 2026 World Cup by defeating Nigeria in a thrilling penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw.
Published On 16 Nov 2025
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) advanced towards their World Cup dream by overcoming Nigeria in a dramatic penalty shootout, concluding a nail-biting match with a 1-1 draw after extra time. The victory came during the African qualifying playoffs held in Morocco, keeping DR Congo’s hopes alive for the 2026 World Cup.
With this win, DR Congo now looks forward to the inter-confederation playoff draw set for Thursday, where they will compete against five other teams for two coveted spots in the upcoming World Cup, which will host 48 teams in Canada, Mexico, and the United States next year.
The Decisive Moments in the Match
Captain Chancel Mbemba sealed the win for DR Congo by converting the decisive penalty after the Congolese’s substitute goalkeeper, Timothy Fayulu, made a remarkable impact just before the shootout by saving two critical penalties.
Nigeria struck early in the match with Frank Onyeka scoring just three minutes in, capitalizing on a moment of disarray in the Congolese defense. His shot was slightly deflected by Axel Tuanzebe, giving Nigeria a whirlwind start, but DR Congo quickly regrouped.
The Congolese squad wasted little time in responding. They found their equalizer in the 32nd minute when Alex Iwobi lost possession, allowing Cedric Bakambu to assist Meschack Elia, who netted the goal with a determined finish despite Nigeria’s captain Wilfred Ndidi’s attempts to intervene.
Key Plays and Tactics
The second half saw DR Congo applying more pressure. Bakambu’s clever back-heel from a corner kick forced Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, into a sharp save, maintaining a tense atmosphere. However, the Congolese felt aggrieved when they were denied a potential penalty after Noah Sadiki was brought down in the box, a decision that the referee did not review despite visible protests.
As the match advanced into extra time, both teams remained cautious, unwilling to make mistakes that could cost them a place in the World Cup. Nigeria appeared to show signs of fatigue after their previous semifinal against Gabon, while DR Congo looked more energetic, having defeated Cameroon in less than 90 minutes in their last match.
Opportunities in extra time for both sides were few but significant. Nigerian substitute Tolu Arokodare’s header sailed over the crossbar, while Mbemba’s effort was saved in the dying moments by Nwabali, setting the stage for the nerve-wracking penalty shootout.
Path to the World Cup
Holding their nerve during the shootout, DR Congo is now in contention to make its first World Cup appearance since 1974, when the country was known as Zaire. The African continent has already seen several teams, including Egypt, Senegal, Ghana, and Morocco, securing direct qualification for the 2026 tournament.
Beyond Africa, teams from South America, Oceania, and Asia are vying for their places as well. Bolivia and New Caledonia have already confirmed their spots in the six-team continental playoffs, contributing to the growing excitement around worldwide qualification.
As the playoff round approaches, the spotlight will be on DR Congo as they aim for a stellar performance. Fans are hoping that this can be the breakthrough they have long awaited, embarking on a journey to the World Cup stage next year.
