FC Noah goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu sends DR Congo to the intercontinental playoff for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers

FC Noah goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu became the hero of the DR Congo national team in the decisive match of the African playoff for the 2026 World Cup qualification.

In the final, DR Congo defeated Nigeria on penalties — 1:1 (4:3). Fayulu entered the pitch in the 120th minute specifically for the penalty shootout and fully justified the coaching staff’s trust.

The Armenian club’s goalkeeper saved two spot kicks, and Nigeria missed another one themselves, allowing the Congolese side to advance to the intercontinental round.

At the moment, DR Congo, Bolivia and New Caledonia are guaranteed to play in the intercontinental playoffs, as well as two teams from North America and one from Asia (UAE or Iraq). Only two of these national teams will earn tickets to the 2026 World Cup.

The intercontinental playoffs will take place in March 2026 on the pitches of the 2026 World Cup in Mexico, several months before the start of the tournament.

If DR Congo manages to qualify for the World Cup, Timothy Fayulu will become the first active Armenian Premier League player in history to appear at the world championship.