The World Cup beckons for La Celeste and the Reggae Boyz

The eyes of the footballing world will be on DR Congo vs Jamaica (22:00 GMT, DAZN & FIFA+), as the two sides joust for a place at this summer’s 2026 World Cup in the United States. This play-off final encounter has stakes that could not be higher, with a chance to make history in the offing.

Jamaica have not graced the World Cup finals since their sole appearance at France 98. DR Congo last reached the tournament proper in 1974, when the nation was still called Zaire. Who will make their long-awaited return? Read my DR Congo vs Jamaica predictions for all you need to know.

Team News

Burnley defender Axel Tuanzebe is back in the nick of time for DR Congo. The ex-Manchester United man had been sidelined with an Achilles issue since early February. But Tuanzebe is expected to be fit for this crucial clash.

Elsewhere, well-travelled Real Betis forward Cedric Bakambu, West Ham full back Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Newcastle forward Yoane Wissa are some of the familiar faces expected to line up for La Celeste.

The Reggae Boyz will miss Birmingham City’s Demarai Gray, who made the initial squad before pulling out through injury.

Wrexham striker Bailey Cadamarteri has two goals in five Jamaica caps thus far. Look for the ex-Sheffield Wednesday boy to be called upon again here.

Football Odds

DR Congo vs Jamaica Odds

This is a tight one on paper, with DR Congo favoured at 9/10. You can get 7/2 on a Jamaica victory. These are all over the 90 minutes plus added time duration.

Should we get a draw after regulation time has elapsed, you can get 2/5 on Congo to win the overall tie while Jamaica are 7/4 to prevail.

DR Congo to win @ 9/10

This is going to be fiercely competitive. One-off knockout football brings that out of teams and these are two decent sides. But Congo have more built-in quality than their opponents. 

The favourites also have the sharpness of competition behind them. While they would have hoped for more than a round of 16 elimination at this past winter’s Afcon, playing tournament football together does more for cohesion than friendly matches. 

DR Congo are playing their sixth game together since November, while Jamaica are playing their third game over the same period. Repetition breeds precision. I find Congo to be superior man-for-man and likely to gel better due to their Afcon exertions.

Over 2.5 total goals @ 11/8

Congo have only been involved in one game that has seen over 2.5 total goals in their last nine outings. Stay with me here. Jamaica have conceded four goals on two separate occasions during the same spell. They have also scored four in a game in that same, admittedly slightly arbitrary, nine-game period.

My point being; when the chips are down Jamaica either bang the goals in or get banged trying. If you’ll pardon the expression.

With a place at the World Cup at stake, I can see The Reggae Boyz pushing for glory. Glory they’ll either secure in a hail of goalmouth action or, in my view, they might ship a few goals while trying to force the issue. Either way, I reckon there’s at least three goals scored between these sides.

Click the links for the latest World Cup Odds and Today's Football Fixtures

Find more Football Betting Tips here at Betfred Insights