Reports from African media indicate that the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo has promised a $1 million bonus 💵 to each player if the national team secures a spot in the African playoff for the 2026 World Cup, to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico 🌍⚽.
According to the French-language newspaper “Sport News Africa,” the decision has caused discontent among injured players unable to participate, and also upset the coaching staff, as the reward applies only to participating players. Meanwhile, the Congolese Minister of Sports is reportedly attempting to ease tensions within the team.
The African playoff involves the four best teams that finished second in their qualifying groups. The nine group winners have already qualified directly for the World Cup 2026, while the playoff offers a chance for a tenth African representative 🏆.
Tomorrow, Thursday, Gabon will face Nigeria at 6 PM, and Cameroon will meet the Democratic Republic of Congo at 9 PM. The winners will meet in the final on Sunday, with the victorious team qualifying for the FIFA World Cup playoff in March 2026, needing just one win to secure their place in the North American tournament.
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