The African playoff victors, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), will face either New Caledonia or Jamaica in a single match that could secure their place in the men’s World Cup for the first time in over half a century.
Ranked 56th in the World Cup host rankings by Fifa, the DRC was given a spot in the “Path 1” final of the inter-continental playoffs during a draw held at Fifa’s headquarters in the Swiss city of Zurich on Thursday.
New Caledonia and Jamaica are set to compete on March 26 to secure a place in the final, scheduled for March 31.
Iraq, ranked 58th on theFifa listwere placed in the “Path 2” final and will compete against either Bolivia or Suriname after their semi-final on 26 March. All games will take place in Guadalajara and Monterrey, Mexico.
Jamaica and Iraq, similar to the DRC, are aiming for a second visit to the World Cup.
When the Democratic Republic of the Congo was known as Zaire, it participated in the 1974 World Cup held in what was previously West Germany.
Only a few months following their victory in the 1974 Africa Cup of Nations, the team suffered three consecutive defeats, allowing a total of 14 goals – nine of which came from matches against Yugoslavia.
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‘Voodoo’ claims
More than 50 years later, their successors defeated Cameroon and Nigeria to secure the Confederation of African Football’s playoff spot in the inter-confederation competition.
Following last Sunday’s championship match against Nigeria in Rabat, Nigeria’s coach Eric Chelle criticized the behavior of the DRC’s substitutes during the penalty shootout.
Chelle mentioned that a coach from the Democratic Republic of the Congo was making arm gestures during the 12-minute penalty shootout at the Stade Moulay Hassan. “I’m not sure if it was meant to signify throwing water or something similar,” he said to reporters. “Throughout the entire penalty shootout, the man from the DRC was performing voodoo. Every single time, every single time. That’s why I got a bit irritated.”
Chelle’s opposite number, Sébastian Desabre, had to step in to stop the Nigerian coach from engaging with the assistant.
Nigeria performed well,” said Desabre. “We could have easily been eliminated. These matches often hinge on the smallest details, but overall I believe we earned the victory.
Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire secure their spots for the 2026 World Cup.
Africa Cup of Nations
Nigeria has been attempting to qualify for the World Cup for the seventh time.
Last Thursday, they defeated Gabon 4-1, setting up an African clash against the DRC, who narrowly beat Cameroon 1-0.
The defeat adds more pressure on Chelle, who will take charge of the team into theAfrica Cup of Nations next month in Morocco.
Nigeria, who ended up as runners-up atthe final event in Cote d’Ivoire, are now part of Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania.
The DRC will also participate in the Nations Cup. They are placed in Group D alongside Benin, Senegal, and Botswana.
World Cup debut dreams
Numerous other teams in the playoffs are hoping for a World Cup qualification against all expectations.
Bolivia was one of the 13 teams that participated in the first World Cup held in Uruguay in 1930. However, they have only returned to the tournament on two more occasions — in 1950 in Brazil and 1994 in the United States.
Suriname and New Caledonia will be competing to participate in theWorld Cupfor the first time ever since it was established
“If we manage to qualify for this World Cup, it will be an additional celebration for Suriname and a special gift,” said Suriname’s coach Stanley Menzo.
Things are coming together,” said the 62-year-old former Dutch international goalkeeper. “Fifty years of independence and being at the final stage of qualification for the World Cup. Let’s turn it into a big celebration.
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