The Democratic Republic of Congo is raising the stakes for its national football team with a massive financial incentive ahead of this month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoffs.

Reports confirm that each member of the Leopards squad stands to earn $1 million if they secure a spot in the intercontinental play-offs. DR Congo is set to face Cameroon on Thursday, November 13, in a match that could determine a potential clash with Nigeria or Gabon.

“Following the directive of President Félix Tshisekedi, the government has approved a special bonus to motivate the team. Each player will receive $1 million if they advance, with Rawbank already set to transfer the funds directly should qualification be confirmed by November 16, the date of the African play-off final,” Sport News Africa reported.

The incentive is exclusive to the players; head coach Sébastien Desabre and his technical team will not receive any portion of the bonus. Officials say the move is designed to give the Leopards an extra push as they aim to reach the World Cup for the first time since 1974.

While most African nations are playing friendly matches this month, DR Congo, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Gabon are fully focused on World Cup qualification. The African play-offs, organized by CAF, feature the continent’s top runners-up from the group stage. The mini-tournament will consist of two single-leg semi-finals and a final in Morocco from November 13 to 16.

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