DR Congo - Jamaica: The Leopards facing history, 52 years later
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All original articlesThis Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Guadalajara (Mexico), the DR Congo will face Jamaica for the final of the intercontinental play-offs for the 2026 World Cup. The Congolese are about to return to the world event, 52 years after their last participation.
Only one victory separates the Leopards from a return to the World Cup, 52 years after the last participation of the country, then under the name of Zaire. Fifty-two years. It’s long as a life, long as an injustice. This evening in Guadalajara, the DR Congo has the opportunity to close a wound opened since 1974, and to write it in golden letters in the history of African football.
On the other hand, Jamaica, ranked 70th in the world, remains an unpredictable team, endowed with offensive talents like Leon Bailey, but often struggling to display real collective consistency. The Reggae Boyz have their own dream to defend: a return to the World Cup 28 years after their only participation in France 1998. Two nations, two historical absences, but only one place available. In case of success, the DR Congo would become the tenth African country qualified for the 2026 World Cup, a historic quota related to the expansion of the tournament to 48 nations.
In case of qualification, Cédric Bakambu’s teammates would join Group K of the World Cup with Colombia, Portugal and Uzbekistan.
DR Congo has also ideally prepared this meeting, with a 2-0 success against Bermuda with achievements of Fiston Mayele and Yoane Wissa.
History on the move
From Eugène Kabongo Ngoy to Trésor Mputu, through Shabani Nonda, generations of Congolese talent have never had the opportunity to compete in a World Cup. Tonight, Sébastien Desabre and his men are playing not only for their story, but also for those who have gone before them.
The DR Congo does not only have an appointment with Jamaica. She has an appointment with herself, with 52 years of frustration, and with millions of Congolese who will look at the sky tonight hoping that the Leopards finally roar on the biggest stage in the world. Meeting at 21:00 GMT for the beginning of the Congolese dream.