DR Congo Promises $1 Million Bonus To Players Ahead Of 2026 FIFA World Cup Playoffs

13 Nov 2025, 07:43 by Ernest Victor · Naija News

The Democratic Republic of Congo has turned up the heat on its national football team with a staggering incentive ahead of this month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoffs.

Each member of the Leopards squad will receive $1 million if they secure qualification for the intercontinental play-offs. The announcement comes as DR Congo prepares to face Cameroon on Thursday, November 13, in a match that could set up a showdown with Nigeria or Gabon.

“Acting on the directive of President Félix Tshisekedi, the Congolese government has approved a special financial incentive to spur the team to victory. Each player will receive $1 million should they advance, with arrangements already made for Rawbank to transfer the funds directly to the players if qualification is confirmed by November 16, the date of the African play-off final,” Sport News Africa reported.

The bonus applies only to the players. Head coach Sébastien Desabre and his technical staff are not included in the payout. Officials say the measure is meant to give the Leopards an extra push as they aim to reach the World Cup for the first time since 1974.

Most African nations are playing friendly matches this month, but DR Congo, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Gabon are focused solely on World Cup qualification. The African play-offs, organized by CAF, involve four of the continent’s top runners-up from the group phase. The mini-tournament features two single-leg semi-finals and a final in Morocco from November 13 to 16.

The winner will move on to the inter-confederation play-offs in March 2026, keeping their World Cup dreams alive ahead of the expanded 48-team tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.