DR Congo are one win away from their first FIFA World Cup appearance since 1970 as they face Jamaica in the inter-continental playoff final at Estadio Akron on Tuesday night.
Coach Sebastien Desabre, who took charge after Qatar 2022, has built toward this moment with a squad that reached the AFCON 2023 semifinals and later battled through playoffs against Cameroon and Nigeria. A 2-0 warm-up win over Bermuda has boosted confidence.
Jamaica, led by Rudolph Speid, narrowly missed automatic qualification and edged New Caledonia 1-0 to reach the final.
Players to watch
– Cedric Bakambu (DR Congo): The 34-year-old striker is one goal shy of his nation’s all-time scoring record.
– Leon Bailey (Jamaica): Back from injury, the Aston Villa winger adds pace and creativity.
Victory would mark a half-century return for the Leopards, while Jamaica aim for their second World Cup after debuting in 1998.
