The Democratic Republic of Congo’s national football team has secured a spot in the Intercontinental playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Nigeria’s Super Eagles in a penalty shootout. The match, which took place in Rabat on Sunday, ended with a 4-3 victory for the Congolese team, also known as the Leopards.

The Leopards’ coach, Sébastien Desabre, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, noting that they had to overcome a difficult start. “It’s difficult to start a match down 1-0, but the team spirit remained high, and we chose to try and control the game,” he said. Desabre also acknowledged the strong performance of the Nigerian team, stating that “Nigeria also deserves to be congratulated” and that the match was “very close.”

The victory marks a significant step for the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is seeking to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since its maiden appearance in 1974. The team will now proceed to compete in the Intercontinental playoffs in Mexico in March 2026, where they will face other teams vying for a spot in the global soccer tournament.

The match was closely contested, with both teams demonstrating their skills and determination. The Leopards’ ability to bounce back from an early deficit and ultimately win the penalty shootout demonstrates their resilience and teamwork. As Desabre noted, “we could have not qualified, but overall, I think we deserved the victory.”

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s progression to the Intercontinental playoffs is a notable achievement, given the team’s history and the competitive nature of African football. The team’s success will be closely watched by football fans across the continent and globally, as they strive to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With their next challenge approaching in March 2026, the Leopards will be looking to build on their momentum and make a strong impression in the Intercontinental playoffs.