Haiti, DR Congo End 52‑Year Absences at 2026 World Cup

Both Haiti and DR Congo secured places for the 2026 World Cup, marking their first appearances since 1974 when DR Congo was known as Zaire. Haiti qualified outright via a CONCACAF berth, while DR Congo won a play‑in match against Jamaica. The expanded 48‑team format allows these nations to return after more than half a century without a World Cup presence.