The Leopards of DR Congo will clash with Nigeria’s Super Eagles in the final of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers Africa playoffs in Morocco on Sunday.
DR Congo secured their spot in the final after a dramatic 1-0 victory over Cameroon in the second semi-final at Stade El Barid in Rabat. Captain Chancel Mbemba scored the decisive goal, breaking past his marker to convert Brian Cipenga’s corner in the first minute of stoppage time, stunning the five-time African champions.
Cameroon, who hold the record for the most World Cup appearances among African nations with eight, will miss out on next year’s expanded 48-team tournament. The Indomitable Lions lost the automatic qualification spot to Cape Verde, who will be making their World Cup debut.
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Earlier on Thursday, Nigeria advanced to the final after defeating Gabon 4-1 in extra time at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat. Akor Adams had given the Super Eagles a 1-0 lead in the 78th minute of regular time, only for Mario Lemina to equalize for Gabon with a deflected strike in the dying seconds.
In extra time, Chidera Ejuke restored Nigeria’s lead with his first international goal, before Victor Osimhen sealed the victory with a brace, sending the Eagles through to Sunday’s showdown.
The winner of the Africa playoff final will earn a place in the six-team intercontinental qualifiers, scheduled to be held in Mexico by March 2026. The intercontinental tournament will determine the final two teams to join the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.