- Wednesday April 01, 2026
- Guadalajara, Mexico 12am (EAT)
DR Congo are looking to return to the Fifa World Cup finals for the first time in 52 years when they take on Jamaica in Guadalajara Mexico in the final of the Intercontinental play off.
The Leopards first and last appearance at the world’s biggest football event was in 1974.
Sebastien Desabre’s men reached Fifa’s intercontinental play-offs after finishing second behind Senegal in their qualifying group and then negotiated a four-team African play-off beating the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon and then Nigeria in the final.
On the other hand, Jamaica overcame New Caledonia in the semi-final of the Inter-continental play off.
Burnley defender Axel Tuanzebe, a former youth international with England believes this is the biggest game in his football career.
“I’d definitely consider it as the biggest game in my football career,” he told Sportsworld on BBC World Service.
“This is one of those moments where this is bigger than just football, this is leaving a legacy behind, a moment in our history that we’ll always remember and always cherish,” he added.
Meanwhile, Jamaica, missed out on automatic qualification to the World Cup on the final day of the CONCACAF qualifiers back in November, when they were held to a goalless draw by Curacao to finish second in Group B.
To set up the date with DR Congo, the Reggae Boyz beat New Caledonia in the semi-finals and the victor here will join a group containing Portugal, Uzbekistan and Colombia.
How will DR Congo line up?
Desabre is expected to name his strongest side with Joris Kayembe, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba and Aaron Wan-Bissaka forming the back four.
Experienced midfielder Samuel Moutoussamy should team up with Sunderland man Noah Sadiki and 21-year-old Ngal’ayel Mukau at the centre of the park.
Up top, Yoane Wissa netted his ninth goal for Congo DR with his strike against Bermuda last Wednesday and should lead the attack once again, teaming up with Real Betis’ Cedric Bakambu and experienced forward Meschak Elia.
DR Congo Probable XI
M’Pasi (GK); Kayembe, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Wan-Bissaka; Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Mukau; Elia, Bakambu, Wissa
