Soccer
Semi Ajayi, Victor Osimhen and Wilfred Ndidi of Nigeria and Samuel Moutoussamy and Chancel Mbemba of Dr Congo during the Playoffs. Photo by Shengolpixs Copyright: xKarpushevxIMAGO
FIFA has published an interview with head coach Sébastien Desabre that strongly suggests DR Congo are firmly recognised as Africa’s representative in the inter-confederation play-off tournament for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Soccernet.ng reports.
The interview, released on FIFA’s official platforms, repeatedly describes the Congolese national team as the side preparing for the decisive final match that could secure a place at the tournament in North America.
That framing appears significant because FIFA earlier confirmed the final line-up for the play-off competition, listing DR Congo as the African participant. The latest interview now reinforces that position, effectively treating the Leopards as the team representing the continent in the last qualifying stage.
For the Nigeria Football Federation, the development is a worrying sign. Nigeria had earlier lodged a protest regarding the outcome of the qualification process, hoping that the decision might be reconsidered. However, the tone and content of the interview suggest that FIFA is moving ahead with DR Congo as the officially recognised side.
According to the governing body, the Congolese team will need to win one final match to secure a place at the World Cup. Their opponent will be either Jamaica or New Caledonia in the play-off final scheduled to take place in Guadalajara, Mexico, on 31 March.
Before that decisive encounter, DR Congo will play a warm-up match against Bermuda on 25 March as part of their preparations.
With just one match standing between his team and a historic qualification, Desabre spoke to FIFA about the challenge ahead and how his players are preparing for the high-stakes clash.
Soccer FIFA: Desabre confident ahead of decisive play-off clash
During the interview, Desabre made it clear that his team are not intimidated by the challenge ahead, even though qualification for the World Cup will depend on a single match.
When asked which opponent he would fear most between Jamaica and New Caledonia, the DR Congo coach stressed that his side are focused on their own performance rather than worrying about the opposition.
“We’re not afraid of anyone. We’re going to give it our all,” Desabre said. “As a minimum, we need to replicate the kind of performance we delivered against Nigeria (a match which Congo DR won 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time).
“We know all about Jamaica and New Caledonia. We’ve been scouting them. We’ll also have the chance to watch them play over in Mexico on 26 March, but, for now, we’re focusing on our own players.”
The reference to the victory over Nigeria recalls how DR Congo progressed to this stage, after defeating the Super Eagles in a dramatic encounter decided on penalties.
Desabre also spoke about the pressure of being just one match away from qualifying for the World Cup.
Despite the excitement surrounding the opportunity, he emphasised that his players must stay calm and concentrate on their football.
“We all want to go to the World Cup, but we can’t let our emotions or the magnitude of the occasion get the better of us. In the end, what matters is playing well, keeping our feet on the ground and giving everything we’ve got out on the pitch.
“We need to focus and perform well on the day to get the job done and make Congo proud. That’s what it’s all about for us. The Congolese are passionate about football and some of them are going through difficult times. I know that the whole nation will come to a standstill on 31 March so people can watch the match. We hope we can give our fans the lift they deserve.”
Although the interview does not directly mention Nigeria’s protest, FIFA’s presentation of DR Congo as the team preparing for the play-off final reinforces the organisation’s earlier decision.
If the Leopards win the decisive match in Guadalajara, they will secure qualification for the expanded 2026 World Cup. It would mark the country’s first appearance at the tournament since 1974, when the nation competed under the name Zaire.
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
A lifelong fan of Arsenal and the Super Eagles, Imhonlamhen is a football writer and editor at Soccernet.ng, where his journey as a journalist began more than six years ago. Since then, he has helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and guided it toward some of its proudest milestones.
With a background in Engineering and further training in journalism and digital media, Imhons brings both precision and passion to his storytelling. His love for football runs deep, but he also follows boxing, chess, and athletics with equal curiosity.
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