The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) is set to face Jamaica in the final of Path A of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Play-off Tournament, where a coveted spot in the global event is at stake.

Jamaica secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over New Caledonia in the semi-final held at the Guadalajara Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico, on Friday morning (Central Africa Time).

Wrexham’s Bailey Cadamarteri was the standout player for the Reggae Boyz, scoring the decisive goal in the 18th minute. Ronaldo Webster took a shot from a set piece just outside the area, forcing New Caledonia’s goalkeeper, Rocky Nyikeine, to make a save.

The goalkeeper deflected the ball to his right, right into the path of the onrushing Cadamarteri, who made no mistake from close range.

The Reggae Boyz fired off 12 shots, with four hitting the target, while New Caledonia could only manage five shots, two of which were on goal.

Having claimed victory in last year’s African play-off tournament, DR Congo automatically secured a place in the World Cup Play-off Tournament final and now knows who it will be up against.

The Leopards triumphed over both Cameroon and Nigeria to reach this point and are eager to clinch a spot in the World Cup for the first time since their initial appearance as Zaire in 1974.

Jamaica and DR Congo will clash at the Guadalajara Stadium on Tuesday, March 31, (15:00 local time) the winner earning a place in the World Cup in this high-stakes showdown.