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Haiti and DR Congo End 52‑Year World Cup Drought

Haiti and the Democratic Republic of the Congo will compete in the 2026 World Cup, their first appearances in 52 years, after qualifying through CONCACAF and a play‑in win.

Haiti secured a spot in the 2026 World Cup by winning a CONCACAF berth, while DR Congo earned their place by defeating Jamaica in the play‑in tournament. Both nations are returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1974, breaking a 52‑year absence. Iraq also qualifies, marking its first appearance since 1986 after beating Bolivia 2-1.