World Cup Playoffs 2026: Congo-Jamaica, likely lineups

Democratic Republic of Congo and Jamaica face off at 6 p.m. in the playoff match for the 2026 World Cup. The dry-run playoff will take place in Mexico’s Zapopan: whoever wins will clinch a spot in the rainbow event. The Africans won the last friendly against the Bermuda Islands, while the Caribbeans folded New Caledonia to get to play this world playoff.

The Africans are slight favorites but the very high stakes could affect the attitude of the two teams on the field. Banza is the point of reference in attack for the Congolese, on the three-quarter are Bongonda, Kakuta and Wissa. In the median, Pickel is paired with Moutoussamy.

Jamaica’s offensive tandem is composed of the Antonio-Nicholson pairing; on the flanks are Decordova-Reid and Gray, while the two central midfielders will be Latibeaudiere and Johnson.

Congo-Jamaica, the probable formations
CONGO (4-2-3-1): Bertaud; Kalulu, Mbemba, Inonga, Masuaku; Pickel, Moutoussamy; Bongonda, Kakuta, Wissa; Banza.
JAMAICA(4-4-2): Blake; Lembikisa, Lowe, Bernard, Leigh; Decordova-Reid, Latibeaudiere, Johnson, Gray; Antonio, Nicholson.