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.

[Watch New Caledonia vs Jamaica online in the US on Fubo]

Jamaica enters this semifinal with a golden opportunity, sitting just one win away from a return to the World Cup for the first time since its memorable run at France 1998. The Reggae Boyz carry the edge on paper after their recent rise.

But pressure will be high against a fearless New Caledonia side eager to play spoiler and pull off a stunning upset. With a place in the final and history within reach, expect a tense, high-stakes battle—don’t miss it.

When will the New Caledonia vs Jamaica match be played?

New Caledonia take on Jamaica on Thursday, March 26, in the Path 1 semifinal of the FIFA World Cup qualification inter-confederation play-offs,with kickoff slated for 11:00 PM (ET).

New Caledonia vs Jamaica: Time by State in the USA

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

How to watch New Caledonia vs Jamaica in the USA

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

For Jamaica, the expectation is clear: deliver and move one step closer to returning to the global stage. For New Caledonia, the opportunity is historic, with the chance to upset a more established opponent and keep their dream alive.

In a format where everything is decided in a single match, every possible outcome carries immediate consequences. The result will define who advances and how each team’s path toward the World Cup unfolds from here.

What happens if Jamaica beat New Caledonia today?

If Jamaica win, they advance to the intercontinental playoff final, moving one step closer to qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This match is a single-leg semifinal in Path 1 of FIFA’s playoff tournament.

The winner progresses immediately to the final, where Jamaica would face DR Congo for a place in the World Cup. That next match would be decisive: win it, and Jamaica qualify; lose it, and their campaign ends.

What happens if Jamaica and New Caledonia tie?

If Jamaica and New Caledonia tie, the match goes to extra time and, if needed, penalties to determine the winner. Because this is a knockout playoff, draws are not an option.

FIFA’s format requires a winner on the day, meaning tied games after 90 minutes go to extra time and potentially a penalty shootout.There is no scenario where both teams advance or replay the match.

What happens if Jamaica lose to New Caledonia today?

If Jamaica lose, they are eliminated from the World Cup qualification race. The intercontinental playoffs are a single-elimination mini-tournament, so defeat in the semifinal means instant elimination with no second chances.

For New Caledonia, on the other hand, a win would represent a historic achievement. Advancing to the final would put them within reach of a first-ever World Cup appearance, significantly raising the stakes for their next match.

There are already 42 teams directly qualified for the upcoming World Cup. On Tuesday morning, UEFA determined its first 12 qualified teams, while later that night it was Concacaf’s turn to wrap up its qualifiers.

With a new format due to the World Cup’s expansion to 48 teams, Concacaf had three direct tickets to the tournament (plus the host nations Canada, Mexico, and the United States) and two additional spots for the inter-confederation playoff.

Will Honduras, Costa Rica, and Jamaica play the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

The Concacaf Qualifiers for the next World Cup surprised everyone. Panama, Curacao, and Haiti have advanced directly to the international competition, with Curacao making their debut in the tournament and Haiti qualifying for the second time.

The biggest surprises were related to Costa Rica, Honduras, and Jamaica. Costa Rica and Honduras have been completely eliminated from contention, while Jamaica still has a small chance of making it.

Costa Rica finished third in Group C behind Haiti and Honduras. La Sele was unable to dominate as expected, with Mexican coach Miguel Herrera facing heavy criticism over the team’s poor performance.

Honduras held their fate in their own hands but were unable to defeat Costa Rica. Even though they finished with the same points and goal difference as Suriname, the latter scored more goals—this became the decisive factor for Suriname to claim the better second-place spot.

As for Jamaica, there is still light at the end of the tunnel. While they were unable to secure direct qualification, they finished as one of the two best second-place teams across the three groups, earning a place in the inter-confederation playoff with Suriname.

[Watch Panama vs Jamaica live for FREE in the USA on Fubo]

Two tournament favorites collide in a high-stakes battle that could reshape the group standings. Jamaica, still recovering from a shocking opening defeat to Guatemala, kept their hopes alive with a 2-1 victory over Guadeloupe, but their place in the next round is far from secure.

On the other side, Panama enter as one of CONCACAF’s strongest squads, knowing that a loss could put their campaign in jeopardy. With so much on the line for both teams, this promises to be an intense, can’t-miss showdown.

When will the Panama vs Jamaica match be played?

Panama take on Jamaica on Tuesday, June 24, in Matchday 3 of the Gold Cup 2025 group stage. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM (ET).

Panama vs Jamaica: Time by State in the USA

ET: 7:00 PM
CT: 6:00 PM
MT: 5:00 PM
PT: 4:00 PM

How to watch Panama vs Jamaica in the USA

The 2025 Gold Cup clash between Panama and Jamaica will be available for viewers in the USA on Fubo (free trial). Fans can also catch the action on FS1, Univision, TUDN, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, ViX.

[Watch Jamaica vs Guadeloupe live for FREE in the USA on Fubo]

Jamaica and Guadeloupe are both looking to bounce back after disappointing starts to the tournament. Jamaica entered as the favorite against Guatemala, especially after a convincing 3-0 win in their recent meeting, but this time suffered a surprising 1-0 loss.

A second defeat could be costly for the Jamaicans, and they know they can’t afford to waste this chance to get back on track. Guadeloupe, on the other hand, struggled in their opener, falling to Panama in a lopsided 5-2 loss. They’ll need a strong performance here to keep their hopes alive.

When will the Jamaica vs Guadeloupe match be played?

Jamaica take on Guadeloupe on Friday, June 20, in Matchday 2 of the Gold Cup 2025 group stage. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:45 PM (ET).

Jamaica vs Guadeloupe: Time by State in the USA

ET: 7:45 PM
CT: 6:45 PM
MT: 5:45 PM
PT: 4:45 PM

How to watch Jamaica vs Guadeloupe in the USA

This Gold Cup 2025 clash between Jamaica and Guadeloupe will be available for viewers in the USA through Fubo (free trial). Other options are FS1, UniMás, TUDN, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, ViX.

[Watch Jamaica vs Guatemala live for FREE in the USA on Fubo]

Jamaica and Guatemala square off once again just days after their clash in the second round of the CONCACAF Qualifiers, where Jamaica cruised to a convincing 3-0 win, showcasing their impressive form.

Both teams know this is a fresh opportunity—Jamaica will aim to stay sharp and avoid complacency, while Guatemala is eager to bounce back and challenge their favored rivals with a much stronger performance this time.

When will the Jamaica vs Guatemala match be played?

Jamaica play against Guatemala on Monday, June 16, in Matchday 1 of the Gold Cup 2025 group stage. The match is scheduled to begin at 10:00 PM (ET).

Jamaica vs Guatemala: Time by State in the USA

ET: 10:00 PM
CT: 9:00 PM
MT: 8:00 PM
PT: 7:00 PM

How to watch Jamaica vs Guatemala in the USA

This Gold Cup 2025 clash between Jamaica and Guatemala will be available for viewers in the USA through Fubo (free trial). Other options are FS1, UniMás, TUDN, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, ViX.

Despite Guatemala not being in peak form, head coach Luis Tena has skillfully guided them team into the third round of the World Cup qualifiers, securing second place in Group E. Nonetheless, the team has faced significant defensive struggles, raising concerns about a section previously regarded as one of their strongest.

With top-tier players like Demarai Gray and Leon Bailey, Jamaica enter the competition as one of the top national teams in Concacaf. Many consider them underdogs, yet their lineup features players with the skill to compete against any national squad. Moreover, their exceptional physical conditioning could provide a crucial advantage in the Gold Cup.

Jamaica potential lineup vs Guatemala

Building on their recent victory against Guatemala, head coach Steve McClaren has little reason to alter his starting lineup. The squad has no injuries or suspensions, allowing the Reggae Boyz to aim high. With stars like Leon Bailey and Demarai Gray leading the offense, Jamaica set their sight on pursuing their first title in the competition’s history.

With this strategy in mind, Jamaica could field the following team: Andre Blake; Joel Latibeaudiere, Damion Lowe, Mason Holgate, Amari Bell; Jon Russell, Isaac Hayden; Renaldo Cephas, Demarai Gray, Leon Bailey; Warner Brown.

Guatemala potential lineup vs Jamaica

Guatemala’s coach Luis Tena will have some challenges to face Jamaica in the Gold Cup since Chema Rosales will miss the game due to a lingering muscle injury, yet he may return against Panama. Tena, reflecting on the previous defeat to the Reggae Boyz, is likely to make changes in their offense, introducing young talent like Matthew Evans.

Considering the above, Guatemala could field the following team to face Jamaica: Nicholas Hagen; Jose Morales, Jose Pinto, Jose Ardon, Carlos Aguilar; Oscar Castellanos, Rodrigo Saravia; Oscar Santis, Olger Escobar, Rudy Muñoz; Rubio Rubin.