DR Congo has advanced to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Intercontinental Play-offs after beating Nigeria in a penalty shootout on Sunday.
Chancel Mbemba struck the decisive penalty to seal a 4-3 shootout win for Congo after the final play-off match of African qualifying ended 1-1 after extra time in Rabat, Morocco.
Congo’s victory secured a place in FIFA’s six-team Intercontinental Playoff tournament in March, which will send two teams to the FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Nigeria led after three minutes of the match through Frank Onyeka’s goal before Mechak Elia equalized for Congo in the 32nd.
Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, top scorer in the UEFA Champions League, was substituted at half-time.
Mbemba had scored in extra time in Congo’s 1-0 win against Cameroon on Thursday, securing a place in the final. This time he was the hero in the gunfight.
Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia have already qualified for the World Cup from Africa.
Published on November 17, 2025
