Portugal will spearhead Group K, joined by Uzbekistan, Colombia, and DR Congo. Here is the confirmed schedule for Portugal’s group-stage campaign:

• Match 1: Portugal vs. DR Congo
  • Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026
  • Time: 12:00 PM CT
  • Venue: NRG Stadium — Houston, TX
• Match 2: Portugal vs. Uzbekistan
  • Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2026
  • Time: 12:00 PM CT
  • Venue: NRG Stadium — Houston, TX
• Match 3: Portugal vs. Colombia
  • Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026
  • Time: 6:30 PM ET
  • Venue: Hard Rock Stadium — Miami Gardens, FL

A group of firsts

Incredibly, this summer will mark the first time Portugal have ever faced these specific opponents on the World Cup stage. Perhaps most surprising is the looming clash with Colombia; despite both being perennial footballing powers, the two nations have never met in a competitive or friendly match.

The novelty extends across the group. Uzbekistan are set for their first-ever World Cup appearance.

Portugal’s group stage stats

Across eight previous World Cup appearances, Portugal have evolved into a powerhouse in the opening round. Particularly in the 21st century, Cristiano‘s team has made a habit of navigating the group stage with clinical efficiency.

Below is a breakdown of their historical statistical legacy as Portugal look to continue that dominance in North America:

The goal was scored by Axel Tuanzebe, just minutes before the end of the first half in overtime. A precise cross into the heart of the box, and the timely arrival of the Congolese player opened the scoring.

The city of Guadalajara in Mexico witnessed the Africans secure one of the last spots for the World Cup. Jamaica, for their part, will have to wait four more years to achieve it.

Jamaica’s last time in a World Cup

Jamaica’s lone World Cup appearance dates back to France 1998, where the “Reggae Boyz” finished their historic run with a 1-2 record. After dropping their first two matches against Croatia and Argentina, the Caribbean side capped off the tournament on a high note by securing a 2-1 victory over Japan behind a Theodore Whitmore brace.

Group K is now complete

The Group K landscape is officially set, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most intriguing brackets of the tournament. Following DR Congo‘s clinching victory over Jamaica, the “Leopards” find themselves dropped into a diverse and dangerous pool. Here is how Group K stands for the 2026 World Cup:

• Portugal
• Colombia
• Uzbekistan
• RD Congo

His replacement was his compatriot Dario Herrera, who had been serving as the fourth official. The heat and the length of the match may have been decisive factors.

Although the relevant tests are still pending, it appears to be a muscle injury. It will be a matter of waiting to finally see what happened.

Tello is one of the referees highly regarded by FIFA. In addition to being present in this playoff, he also officiated at the last World Cup in Qatar, as well as at Euro 2024.

What happens when a referee gets injured during the match?

According to FIFA regulations, if a referee becomes unable to continue due to injury, they are replaced by the fourth official. If the fourth official is also unavailable, the most senior assistant referee typically takes over, ensuring the match proceeds without further delay.

The match? DR Congo defeated Jamaica

DR Congo secured their ticket to the 2026 World Cup in dramatic fashion, knocking out Jamaica with a 1-0 victory in extra time. After a scoreless 90 minutes of gritty, defensive play, the Leopards finally broke the deadlock in the added period to punch their ticket to the big dance.

It’s a heartbreaking finish for the Reggae Boyz, but a historic night for Congo as they officially join Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan in Group K.

The “Reggae Boyz” looks to take advantage of a roster featuring several Europe-based players, aiming to translate individual talent into consistent results. DR Congo, meanwhile, has built its recent campaigns on physical play and experience.

The margin for error is slightly wider, but still significant. The outcome of this match could shape how both teams approach the remainder of their schedule, especially with group positioning and tiebreakers likely to play a decisive role.

What happens if Jamaica beat DR Congo today?

If Jamaica win this match, they’ll secure a direct place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, joining Group K alongside Portugal, Uzbekistan, and Colombia. The winner of this single-leg final advances immediately to the tournament.

This is a winner-takes-all scenario against DR Congo. There are no second chances, no return legs and no safety net. A victory would mark Jamaica’s second-ever World Cup appearance, returning for the first time since 1998.

What happens if Jamaica and DR Congo tie today?

If the match is level after 90 minutes, it does not end in a draw. The game goes to extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shootout to determine a winner. FIFA’s knockout and playoff rules require a decisive result in single-match qualifiers like this one.

That means a tied score at full time only extends the game, it does not change the stakes. One team will still advance to the World Cup, while the other is eliminated from contention immediately.

What happens if Jamaica lose to DR Congo today?

If Jamaica lose, they will be eliminated from 2026 World Cup contention. The intercontinental playoff format is single-elimination, meaning defeat means elimination with no secondary qualification route.

DR Congo would advance directly to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, securing a long-awaited return to the tournament, making their first appearance since 1974, which remains their only participation so far.

[Watch Congo DR vs Jamaica online in the US on Fubo]

A long-awaited World Cup return is on the line as Jamaica and DR Congo meet in a rare, high-stakes clash between two sides that have faced off just once before. The Reggae Boyz arrive with momentum after a gritty win over New Caledonia, aiming for their first appearance since 1998.

On the other side, DR Congo looks to continue its surprise run and secure a first trip back to the tournament since 1974, when the nation competed as Zaire. With history within reach for both teams, this is a matchup you won’t want to miss.

When will the Congo DR vs Jamaica match be played?

Congo DR take on Jamaica on Tuesday, March 31, in the Pathway 1 final of the FIFA World Cup qualification inter-confederation play-offs,with kickoff slated for 5:00 PM (ET).

Congo DR vs Jamaica: Time by State in the USA

ET: 5:00 PM
CT: 4:00 PM
MT: 3:00 PM
PT: 2:00 PM

How to watch Congo DR vs Jamaica in the USA

Catch the thrilling FIFA World Cup qualifiers showdown between Congo DR and Jamaica in the USA. Stream the action on Fubo. Other options: Peacock, Fox Sports 1, FOX One and Telemundo Deportes Ahora.

Following the penalty shootout loss to the DR Congo, Eric Chelle and Nigeria suffered one of their most heartbreaking defeats in a very long time. After missing the World Cup in 2022, the Super Eagles hoped to make it back to the biggest soccer competition in 2026. However, the DR Congo had other plans as the two countries met in Rabat, Morocco.

Having lost the playoff final, Nigeria have been officially eliminated from 2026 World Cup contention. As a result, the Super Eagles will miss the tournament for the second straight edition after having qualified for six of the previous seven World Cups.

The DR Congo, on the other hand, secured their place in the inter-confederation playoff. Six teams will face off for the final two spots in the FIFA 2026 World Cup. Amid a Cinderella run through the African Qualifiers, the DR Congo are through to the final phase in their hopes of making their first World Cup appearance since 1974—as Zaire made the World Cup held in West Germany.

What’s next?

As the DR Congo move on the last stage of their World Cup journey, they will go up against five other countries in search of glory. At the moment there are three spots left to be taken. Bolivia, North Caledonia, and the DR Congo are set, but they will be joined by two sides out of the CONCACAF and a last one from the AFC.

The four-lowest seeded teams in the FIFA rankings will be split into two semi-finals. The winners of each semi-final will face one of the two-highest seeded in the two decisive games. Each winner will secure the final two tickets to world soccer’s biggest stage in the 2026 World Cup.

DR Congo stunned Cameroon with a late winner in their previous match, and given that they have earned three wins in six meetings against Nigeria since 1966, they arrive with every reason to believe they can pull off another upset. Their resilience has made this showdown even more intriguing heading into the final.

Eric Chelle’s Nigeria have won five of their past six matches and scored eight goals across their last two outings, so they enter this decisive game as clear favorites over a side ranked 19 places below them. Yet with so much at stake in Rabat, this final is expected to be tightly contested from start to finish.

What happens if Nigeria win vs Congo?

The winner of Sunday’s match between Nigeria and DR Congo will advance to the inter-confederation playoff phase. In other words, they will keep their World Cup hopes alive heading into the final stage of qualification.

The winning side will join Bolivia, New Caledonia, and three additional teams still to be confirmed — one from the AFC pathway and two from CONCACAF — in that inter-confederation playoff pool.

Nine African nations have already qualified directly for next year’s World Cup by finishing atop their groups. While all other teams were eliminated, the four best runners-up — Cameroon, DR Congo, Gabon, and Nigeria — earned a place in this CAF playoff round.

What happens if Nigeria and Congo tie?

If Nigeria and DR Congo finish level after 90 minutes, the match will go to extra time, followed by penalties if needed. That means fans should be prepared for 30 more minutes of tense, high-stakes soccer, and if the score remains tied, a penalty shootout that will test nerves on both sides.

What happens if Nigeria lose vs Congo?

If Nigeria lose to DR Congo, they will miss out on the final stage of the CAF playoff pathway for the 2026 World Cup and will no longer have a chance to qualify for the tournament. DR Congo, on the other hand, will advance to the playoff final and move one step closer to securing a place in the inter-confederation playoffs.

Victor Osimhen is confirmed to start once again after scoring in the previous round. As Nigeria’s best player and the leader of the attack, he remains determined to reach the World Cup and fulfill one of the biggest dreams of his career.

DR Congo stunned Cameroon with a late winner in their semifinal, and given that they have won three of the six previous meetings against Nigeria since 1966, they may feel confident about producing another upset on the big stage.

The winner of Sunday’s final will advance to the intercontinental playoff in March, where teams from different regions will battle for two remaining spots in the 2026 World Cup group stage.

Nigeria confirmed lineup vs DR Congo

Head coach Finidi George is confirmed to make to changes to the same starting XI from the semifinal because fatigue forces adjustments after the match went to extra time. Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman were both substituted before the end of regulation, so they should be fully rested for this decisive encounter.

Nigeria’s confirmed starting lineup features a 4-5-1 setup: Stanley Nwabali (GK); Benjamin Fredrick, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi; Samuel Chukwueze, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Ademola Lookman; Victor Osimhen as the lone striker.

DR Congo confirmed lineup vs Nigeria

DR Congo remain without injured star forward Yoane Wissa, who recently joined Newcastle United from Brentford. Aside from his absence, head coach Sebastien Desabre is expected to have his full squad available for selection.

Real Betis striker Cedric Bakambu should lead the attack, while Premier League followers will recognize two key defensive figures: West Ham fullback Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Burnley center-back Axel Tuanzebe.

DR Congo’s confirmed starting lineup: Lionel M’Pasi; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, Arthur Masuaku; Charles Ngal Mukau, Samuel Moutoussamy, Noah Sadiki, Jonathan Bolingi Elia, Arnaud Mbuku; with Cedric Bakambu leading the attack.

[Watch Nigeria vs DR Congo online in the US on Fubo]

Nigeria and DR Congo collide in a high-stakes CAF Qualifiers finale that will decide Africa’s representative in the intercontinental playoffs, with both sides entering knowing there’s no margin for error. Nigeria arrive as clear favorites despite a surprising 4–1 stumble against Gabon.

DR Congo, fresh off eliminating a heavyweight like Cameroon, surge into the matchup with confidence and a shot at securing just the second World Cup berth in their history, setting the stage for a fiercely contested finish.

When will the Nigeria vs DR Congo match be played?

Nigeria play against DR Congo this Sunday, November 16, for the final match of the CAF World Cup Qualifiers second round. The match is set to kick off at 2:00 PM (ET).

Nigeria vs DR Congo: Time by State in the USA

ET: 2:00 PM
CT: 1:00 PM
MT: 12:00 PM
PT: 11:00 AM

How to watch Nigeria vs DR Congo in the USA

The CAF World Cup Qualifiers matchup between Nigeria and DR Congo will be available for viewers in the USA via Fubo. Other options: ESPN Select and ESPN App.

Senegal lost a recent game against Uganda 0-1, that loss was unexpected after they won against Ivory coast 1-0, but in the game against Uganda things got complicated after VAR removed a Senegal goal at the 26th minute.

DR Congo are in the third spot in Group B, they have two draws for a total of 2 points, while Senegal have 3 points. DR Congo need to win this game to steal the second spot in the standings.

Senegal vs DR Congo: Date

Senegal and DR Congo play for the 2022 African Nations Championship today, January 22 at 1956 Stadium in Annaba. This game is likely to be highly defensive from the start.

Senegal vs DR Congo: Time by state in the US

ET: 2:00 PM
CT: 1:00 PM
MT: 12:00 PM
PT: 11:00 AM

TV Channel in the US to watch Senegal vs DR Congo at the 2022 African Nations Championship

This game for the 2022 African Nations Championship, Senegal and DR Congo at the 1956 Stadium in Annaba on Sunday, January 22, will be broadcast in the US by FuboTV (7-day free trial) and other options to watch this game in the US is beIN SPORTS CONNECT.

The Congolese team debuted in this group stage with a tie that is of little use. In such a difficult group, they were playing against Uganda, the weakest of the three rivals they have to face, and they were not able to win. Now they need a good result before the difficult duel against Senegal.

The Ivory Coast, a team that, like its opponents in this match, came very close to qualifying for Qatar 2022, did not start this African Nations Championship in the best way: it was a 1-0 defeat against Senegal. Of course, they still have chances to fight for a place in the next phase, but for that they need a good result against the Congolese.

DR Congo vs Ivory Coast: Date

The game for the Matchday 2 of the 2022 African Nations Championship group phase between DR CongoandIvory Coast will be played at the 19 May 1956 Stadium this Wednesday, January 18 at 11:00 AM (ET).

DR Congo vs Ivory Coast: Time by State in the US

ET: 11:00 AM
CT: 10:00 AM
MT: 9:00 AM
PT: 8:00 AM

TV channel in the US to watch DR Congo vs Ivory Coast

This Matchday 2 game of the 2022 African Nations Championship group phase between DR Congo and Ivory Coast will be broadcast in the United States on FuboTV (free trial). Other options: beIN SPORTS CONNECT.