Congo Secures World Cup Global Play-off Spot from Rabat, Defeating Nigeria on Penalties (4-3) in Match Officiated by Jalal Jaid

The Congolese national team has qualified for the global play-off for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals. They secured their spot after defeating Nigeria in the African play-off final on penalties (4-3), following a 1-1 draw after regular time and extra time. The decisive match took place on Sunday evening at Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.

Frank Anyoka opened the scoring for the Nigerian side in the third minute. However, Meschak Elia netted the equalizer for Congo in the 32nd minute.

With the score remaining level, the two teams proceeded to extra time. The Congolese national team ultimately clinched the victory in the penalty shootout (4-3), thanks to their goalkeeper's stellar performance, saving three spot-kicks.

The global play-off for the 2026 World Cup is scheduled for next March. It will feature six teams from various continents: one from Asia, one from Africa, one from South America, one from Oceania, and two from the CONCACAF region, with European teams excluded. According to the tournament format, two of these six teams will be directly seeded. The remaining four teams will compete in two semi-final style knockout matches. The winners of these two games will then advance to face the two seeded teams in two decisive play-off encounters. The victors of these final matches will secure the last two qualification spots for the World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.