Reggae Boyz, DR Congo gear up for showdown in World Cup decider

Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz Ephron Mason-Clark (left) and Isaac Hyaden participate in a drill during training on Tuesday at Verde Valle in Guadalajara, Mexico, ahead of their FIFA World Cup play-off semi-final against New Caledonia.

March 29, 2026

Preparations are ramping up for a high-stakes World Cup qualifying play-off match between Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The Reggae Boyz and the DRC national team were training on Sunday in Guadalajara, Mexico, as they geared up for Tuesday’s clash. Footage shared with Observer Online showed both squads putting in final preparations for what will be a decisive encounter.

This will mark the first-ever meeting between the two nations. The DRC are aiming to secure their first World Cup appearance since 1974, while the Reggae Boyz are chasing their first qualification since 1998.

The DRC Leopards finished second in their group before eliminating Cameroon and Nigeria in regional playoffs to secure their spot in this final play-off tournament. Jamaica, meanwhile, placed second behind Curaçao in their group and had to beat New Caledonia on Thursday to earn their chance to face the DRC.

Historically, Jamaica have struggled against African opposition. Of the 22 matches the Reggae Boyz have played against teams from the Confederation of African Football, they have won two, lost nine and 11 ended in a draw.

At the end of Tuesday’s match, either Jamaica or the Democratic Republic of Congo will have earned their ticket to the 2026 staging of the World Cup, to be held in cities across Mexico, the United States and Canada.

Whoever wins this game will advance to World Cup 2026 Group K with Colombia, Portugal and Uzbekistan.

Kickoff time is 4:00 pm (Jamaica time).

A screengrab from videos showing The Democratic Republic of Congo team at practice ahead of their match against the Reggae Boyz on Tuesday
(Photo: Jalisco Noticias)

{“jamaica-observer”:”Jamaica Observer”}