FIFA has published an interview with Sébastien Desabre that strongly suggests DR Congo national football team are firmly recognised as Africa’s representative in the inter-confederation play-off for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The interview, released on FIFA’s official platforms, repeatedly refers to the Congolese national team as the side preparing for the decisive match that could secure qualification for the tournament in North America.

That description appears significant because FIFA had earlier confirmed the line-up for the play-off competition, listing DR Congo as the African participant. The latest interview reinforces that position and treats the Leopards as the team representing the continent in the final stage of qualification.

For the Nigeria Football Federation, the development could be a worrying sign. Nigeria had previously lodged a protest over the outcome of the qualification process, hoping the decision might be reviewed. However, the tone of the interview suggests that FIFA is moving forward with DR Congo as the officially recognised side.

According to FIFA, the Congolese team need to win one final match to secure a place at the World Cup. Their opponent will be either Jamaica national football team or New Caledonia national football team in the play-off final scheduled for Guadalajara, Mexico, on 31 March.

Before that decisive match, DR Congo will play a friendly against Bermuda national football team on 25 March as part of their preparations.

With just one match separating his team from a historic qualification, Desabre said his players are ready for the challenge and are focusing on their own performance.

“We’re not afraid of anyone. We’re going to give it our all,” Desabre said.

“As a minimum, we need to replicate the kind of performance we delivered against Nigeria national football team.”

He added that his team have already studied their possible opponents.

“We know all about Jamaica and New Caledonia. We’ve been scouting them. We’ll also have the chance to watch them play in Mexico on 26 March, but for now we’re focusing on our own players.”

DR Congo reached this stage after defeating Nigeria in a dramatic encounter that ended 1–1 before the Leopards won 4–3 on penalties.

Desabre also spoke about the pressure of being one match away from the World Cup but stressed the need for calm and focus.

“We all want to go to the World Cup, but we can’t let our emotions get the better of us. What matters is playing well and giving everything on the pitch.

“We need to perform well on the day to make Congo proud. The Congolese people are passionate about football, and many of them are going through difficult times. I know the whole nation will stop to watch the match on 31 March. We hope we can give our fans the lift they deserve.”

Although the interview does not directly mention Nigeria’s protest, FIFA’s presentation of DR Congo as the team preparing for the play-off final reinforces the organisation’s earlier position.

If the Leopards win the decisive match in Guadalajara, they will secure qualification for the expanded 2026 World Cup. It would be the country’s first appearance at the tournament since 1974, when the nation competed under the name Zaire.

MCG will play host to Thursday’s
Round 2 AFL game between Hawthorn Hawks and
Sydney Swans. The game kicks off at 7:30 pm with Hawthorn Hawks heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Hawthorn Hawks vs.
Sydney Swans
game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Thursday March 19, 2026 at 7:30 pm

Where: MCG

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

Hawthorn Hawks vs Sydney Swans Odds

Hawthorn Hawks vs Sydney Swans Preview

Hawthorn host Sydney in what shapes as one of the most intriguing match-ups of the round. The Hawks have been one of the competition’s fastest improving teams, building their game around quick ball movement and strong pressure. Sydney, however, remain one of the AFL’s most consistent sides with a powerful midfield and dangerous forward line capable of punishing turnovers. The contest around stoppages will be critical, with both teams relying heavily on their midfield depth to generate scoring opportunities. Hawthorn’s ability to control territory and maintain defensive pressure will be key if they are to challenge the Swans. Sydney’s experience in tight contests could prove decisive, but the Hawks have shown they are capable of matching top sides.

The state of Texas loves to tout its size, but it can also brag about landing the most teams in the 2026 NCAA Tournament bracket. Seven programs from the Lone Star State are a part of March Madness 2026, highlighted by 2-seed Houston and 5-seed Texas Tech. However, four of the seven Texas programs are double-digit seeds, so the Cougars and Red Raiders may be the state’s best bets for deep 2026 NCAA Tournament bracket runs.

North Carolina (five) is the only other state with more than four teams in the 2026 March Madness bracket. A total of 31 states, plus Washington, D.C., are represented in the NCAA college basketball tournament, so interest in March Madness pools and NCAA Tournament bracket picks stretches across the nation. Before you make your 2026 NCAA Tournament predictions, see the 2026 March Madness bracket picks from the proven computer model at SportsLine.

Two years ago, SportsLine’s computer simulation nailed massive upsets, including huge wins by No. 11 Oregon over No. 6 South Carolina, No. 11 NC State over No. 6 Texas Tech, No. 10 Colorado over No. 7 Florida. Last year, SportsLine’s computer simulation nailed massive upsets, including calling both 9-seeds that advanced in the first round, No. 12 Colorado State over No. 5 Memphis, and No. 6 BYU advancing to the Sweet 16. The model has beaten over 91 percent of all CBS Sports bracket players in four of the past seven tournaments.

This model, which simulates every game 10,000 times, has nailed 25 first-round upsets by double-digit seeds since its inception in 2016 and nailed UConn’s championship run in 2024. It nailed 12 teams in the Sweet 16 and correctly predicted all four Final Four teams a year ago.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every college basketball game 10,000 times. It entered conference tournament week on a sizzling 14-2 run on its top-rated over/under college basketball picks dating back to last season, and is on a 28-21 run on top-rated CBB side picks. You shouldn’t even think about making a pick without seeing what their model has to say.

Top 2026 March Madness bracket upset picks

One South Region surprise the model has identified: No. 9 Iowa defeats No. 8 Clemson in the first round. The Hawkeyes boast the top scoring defense (66 ppg allowed) in the Big Ten and the conference’s No. 5 scorer in Bennett Stirtz (20 ppg). Iowa also controls the class, as just three teams allow fewer offensive rebounds per game. Not allowing extra possessions would force any opponent to struggle to generate points, especially one as weak as Clemson’s.

The Tigers lack a go-to scorer, which is something paramount to success in March. They’re the only power conference team without any players averaging at least 12 ppg, and a lack of offense has led Clemson to a 4-6 record over its last 10 games. Add in that No. 9 seeds have won 64.3% of matchups versus No. 8 seeds over the last eight years, and the model backs the Big Ten to prevail over the ACC in this contest.

Another South Region surprise the model has identified: No. 10 Texas A&M knocks off No. 7 Saint Mary’s. The Aggies are a veteran-laden squad with seven of their top eight scorers being seniors. They also have unparalleled depth as their 35.6 bench ppg are the most by any power conference team over the last decade. Thus, A&M has lots of scoring options to throw at Saint Mary’s, and the Gaels simply lack the firepower to keep up.

Saint Mary’s sits outside the top 100 teams in both scoring (78.2 ppg) and shooting (46.1 FG%). While the Gaels rank 10th nationally in 3P%, they are just 266th in terms of attempts, which mitigates one of their biggest strengths. This first-round contest would qualify as a Quad 1 game for Saint Mary’s, and the team is just 1-4 in Quad 1 games this year, compared to 26-1 in all other contests. See which other 2026 March Madness upsets and matchups to target here.

How to make 2026 NCAA Tournament bracket predictions

Who wins every tournament-defining matchup? And which teams will make surprising runs through the 2026 NCAA Tournament bracket? With the model’s track record of calling bracket-busting upsets, you’ll want to see which stunners it’s calling this year before locking in any 2026 NCAA bracket picks.

So what’s the optimal NCAA Tournament 2026 bracket? And which NCAA Tournament Cinderella teams will shock college basketball? Visit SportsLine now to see which region features two mammoth upsets in the first round, including one by a No. 14 seed, and see which 6-seed makes the Sweet 16, all from the model that’s nailed 25 first-round upsets by double-digit seeds.

Nigeria international Olisa Ndah is still waiting to make his first appearance for Stellenbosch FC more than a month after joining the club.

The 28-year-old defender completed his move in February, but he has not yet featured for the team because his work permit has not been approved.

Stellenbosch head coach Gavin Hunt admitted that the delay has been frustrating for the club, especially because the process has taken longer than expected.

“I’d love to get him into the team, but some people get work permits much quicker than other people,” Hunt said.

The situation has surprised many at the club. Although Ndah previously played in South Africa for Orlando Pirates, he still requires a new permit after changing employers.

Hunt explained that the process should normally be straightforward.

“I mean, it’s just a change of employee. So it should be something quick, isn’t it? If you compare big leagues around the world, if a foreign player comes in they all get the work permit gets done through a particular person for all the clubs.

“So I think that should happen, but it’s never happened like that. So it’s a bit disappointing because he’s been in close to a month, and he should have played by now.”

Ndah had initially been expected to make his debut earlier, possibly during Stellenbosch’s league match against Magesi FC at the Danie Craven Stadium in the Betway Premiership.

However, the paperwork has not yet been completed, meaning the defender is still waiting for his first chance to play for his new club.

Hunt remains hopeful that the issue will soon be resolved so Ndah can finally be available for selection when Stellenbosch face Lamontville Golden Arrows in Umlazi.

Ndah joined Stellenbosch on a free transfer after leaving Orlando Pirates at the end of January. The centre-back cancelled his contract with the Buccaneers in search of more regular playing time after injuries and a dip in form limited his opportunities.

During his four-and-a-half years with Pirates, Ndah made 81 appearances and started 73 matches. His last game for the club came in September 2024 against Polokwane City, where he captained the side in a 3–0 Betway Premiership win.

However, the match also marked a difficult moment in his career as he suffered a fractured tibia and spent a long period recovering from the injury.

At international level, Ndah has represented the Nigeria national football team and was part of the squad at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. His most recent appearance for Nigeria came in September 2024 during a 3–0 AFCON qualification victory over Benin national football team.

Before moving abroad, Ndah made his name in the Nigerian league with Remo Stars and later Akwa United FC, where he won the Nigeria Professional Football League title.

Now at Stellenbosch, the defender hopes the work permit issue will soon be resolved so he can begin the next chapter of his career. ⚽

Alex Ovechkin became the fresh face of the franchise for the Washington Capitals more than two decades ago when they selected the big, skilled Russian winger with the first pick in the 2004 NHL draft.

He’s now 40 and nearing the end of his 21st season with them. He hoisted the Stanley Cup as playoff MVP in 2018 and last year passed Wayne Gretzky as the league’s career goal-scoring leader.

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Ovechkin has yet to say whether this is it or if he wants to play again in 2026-27, so the front office is planning for either contingency. While doing so, Washington is ushering in a youth movement on the fly, with the trade of 36-year-old organizational cornerstone John Carlson the latest step in turning the page on a generation of players responsible for not only a championship but 16 playoff appearances in 18 seasons.

Gone are longtime No. 1 center Nicklas Backstrom, do-it-all winger T.J. Oshie, goaltender Braden Holtby and now Carlson, who has been the team’s top defenseman almost from the time he made his debut.

“They’re these guys (who go from) sometimes they don’t even have a shaving kit to getting married and having families and having the careers that they’re having,” assistant general manager Ross Mahoney said in a phone interview. “Things don’t last forever.”

Capitals are building around a new core

The Capitals have done something rare in the NHL since the salary cap era began in 2005: replenish talent while consistently contending. Brian MacLellan, the general manager from 2014-24, and successor Chris Patrick have simultaneously bought and sold at times and made some shrewd offseason trades and free agent signings along the way.

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The result is a new core of players in their mid-to-late 20s and early 30s, all signed through at least 2029: goalie Logan Thompson, defensemen Jakob Chychrun, Matt Roy and Martin Fehervary, and forwards Dylan Strome, Pierre-Luc Dubois, Aliaksei Protas and Tom Wilson, the latter of whom is likely to succeed Ovechkin as captain.

“That’s a pretty good starting point for a competitive team, a Stanley Cup-winning team,” Patrick said. “We just felt like going into the deadline, if we are going to make moves, we should make moves with that in mind — giving us assets that we can use to try to add impact players to this current group.”

Sending Carlson to Anaheim less than 15 hours before the trade deadline made it a sad day for former teammates. He spent 17 years with the Capitals, so Ovechkin called it probably the toughest day of his career from a personal standpoint.

The first- and third-round picks the Capitals got in the trade were among the best returns any team received for a pending free agent rental player. That deal and trading mid-30s fourth-line center Nic Dowd to Vegas added to a stockpile of draft capital: 13 selections in the first three rounds over the next four years.

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Some of those picks will be used and others dealt for immediate help. A fast-rising cap has reduced the pool of high-end free agents available on July 1 because teams have plenty of space to re-sign their best players, so the trade market has become the place to go for talent.

“There’s not as big a bucket to shop from this summer, so I think having assets that are tradeable is good,” Patrick said. “Are those trades going to happen? I don’t know. We hope. There tend to be names that become available for some reason or another.”

Plenty of elite prospects already in Washington’s pipeline

The rare playoff misses and sell-offs have allowed Mahoney and his staff to infuse the organization with prospects from all over the world.

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Already in the NHL are Ryan Leonard, the No. 8 pick in 2023, and fellow winger Ivan Miroshnichenko, a first-rounder the previous year. Defenseman Cole Hutson, selected 43rd in ‘24 is joining them this week after signing his entry-level contract Sunday fresh off his college season at Boston University ending. Ilya Protas, a find at No. 75 in that same draft, is leading the American Hockey League’s Hershey Bears in scoring at the age of 19 and is close to following his older brother to Washington.

“I’m really happy with where we’re at,” said Mahoney, who been head of amateur scouting since 2000. “My guys have done a fantastic job of trying to kind of stockpile the shelves again.”

Protas, a 6-foot-5 center, might be able to slide into Dowd’s old spot as soon as next season. Hutson is a dynamic, offensively minded right-handed shooter whose impending arrival in part paved the way for Carlson to go to the Ducks, because there’s a succession plan in place.

“We felt a little bit more comfortable saying if we have to let a guy kind of towards the end of his career, in his mid-30s go, and could get good assets in return, hopefully we’re in a good spot,” Patrick said. “We won’t be right away, but within the next couple seasons hopefully we’re in a pretty good spot with where our younger guys have come.”

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Mahoney, as he did in the late 2000s when the likes of Ovechkin, Backstrom, Mike Green and Alexander Semin were 20 and 21, would love to “speed up the clock” and fast-forward this next crop of prospects to being NHL ready. He knows that’s not possible, acknowledging, “You’ve got to be patient and let it evolve.”

And yet the expectation still is to win now — and whenever Ovechkin hangs up his skates. The Capitals are confident the players who have studied under him will keep the positive culture going and trust that management will keep making moves to supplement the core already in place.

“No one can replace Alex Ovechkin and what he brings to a team,” Patrick said. “Those guys, they just want to know that we’re going to be a competitive team and when it’s time to push the chips in, we will.”

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Will Justin Fields start a game for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2026? Yahoo Sports’ Andrew Siciliano and Jori Epstein discuss that possibility along with the latest free agency moves across the league. Later, the duo sits down with former Jets passing-game coordinator Scott Turner to break down the biggest free agency storylines so far. Hear about it all in today’s jam-packed episode!

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(2:40) – Chiefs trade for Justin Fields

(10:41) – Vikings sign Kyler Murray

(22:13) – Scott Turner joins!

(42:56) – Free agency roundup: Who’s still available?

🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts