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DR CONGO AND JAMAICA, IRAQ AND BOLIVIA BATTLE FOR FINAL WORLD CUP 2026 SPOTS IN MEXICO
The field for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is almost complete, with two remaining places to be decided in high-stakes matches in Mexico on March 31. DR Congo will face Jamaica in Guadalajara, while Iraq takes on Bolivia in Monterrey, with the winners sealing the last two berths in the 48-team tournament that kicks off on June 11.
Jamaica arrived in Guadalajara after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over New Caledonia in their previous playoff, keeping alive their hopes of a second World Cup appearance following their debut in 1998. Bolivia, meanwhile, edged Suriname 2-1 to set up their clash with Iraq as they aim to return to the world stage for the first time since 1994.
The stakes are clearly defined, with the victor of the DR Congo-Jamaica encounter earning a place in Group K, where Colombia, Portugal, and Uzbekistan await. The winner of the Iraq-Bolivia match will join Group I, featuring France, Norway, and Senegal.
“We know what’s at stake, and the team is fully focused. This is a chance to make history again,” said a Jamaica team spokesperson, reflecting the squad’s determination to replicate the success of 1998.
Democratic Republic Of Congo’s forward #10 Theo Bongonda celebrates his goal teammates during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Group D football match between Democratic Republic of Congo and Benin at Al Medina Stadium in Rabat on December 23, 2025. (Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP)
Bolivia’s camp struck a similar tone ahead of the Monterrey showdown. “We have waited a long time for this opportunity. The players are ready to give everything to bring Bolivia back to the World Cup,” a team representative stated.
With DR Congo and Iraq also bringing formidable squads to these decisive fixtures, both matches promise intense, must-watch encounters as the final pieces of the 2026 World Cup lineup fall into place.