DR Congo face Jamaica in a World Cup play-off as they seek to qualify for the tournament for the first time since 1974. The national team previously competed as Zaire during their only appearance 52 years ago, per Reuters. That campaign ended without a goal scored and included a 9-0 defeat to Yugoslavia.
Sebastien Desabre is the current head coach of the Leopards. The squad recently reached the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, according to CAF. This regional success has increased expectations for the current qualification cycle.
Brentford forward Yoane Wissa remains a key figure for the Congolese side, as noted by the Premier League. The play-off against Jamaica represents a final opportunity to secure a place in the expanded 48-team tournament. The match follows a series of qualifying rounds where DR Congo finished in a position to contest the inter-confederation bracket. Progress would mark only the second time the nation has reached the global finals.
