The Democratic Republic of Congo national football team has advanced to the final phase of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after defeating Nigeria in a dramatic playoff match decided by penalties.
The game, played on Sunday, November 16, 2025, in Morocco, opened with Nigeria dominating early. The Super Eagles struck first just three minutes in, when Frank Onyeka converted a cross from Ademola Lookman.
DR Congo spent the next 20 minutes pressing for an equalizer, though several attempts went wide or resulted in unproductive corners. Their breakthrough came in the 32nd minute when Cédric Bakambu delivered a dangerous cross into the box. Wilfred Ndidi failed to clear it, allowing Mechack Elia to fire home the equalizer. The first half ended 1–1.
The Leopards returned from the break with more intensity, pushing Nigeria deep into their own half. Despite their dominance, Nigeria’s backline remained solid, absorbing wave after wave of Congolese attacks.
By the 70th minute, Nigeria looked noticeably overwhelmed and resorted to counter-attacks from balls recovered in midfield. In the closing minutes of regular time, both teams searched for a winning goal, but neither could break the deadlock. With 90 minutes ending 1–1, the match proceeded to extra time.
Just four minutes into added time, Fiston Mayele appeared to score for DR Congo, but the referee disallowed the goal, ruling that goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali had been fouled in the buildup. Extra time concluded scoreless, sending the match to penalties.
DR Congo held their nerve in the shootout, winning 4–3 to eliminate Nigeria and secure a place in the final qualifying round. Each Congolese player will receive a $1 million bonus promised for reaching this stage.
The last qualifying round—scheduled for March 2026—will bring together six intercontinental teams. The top two will earn places at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
DR Congo’s next challenge will be a mini-tournament featuring Bolivia and New Caledonia, where only the top two teams will book their tickets to the global showpiece.