World Cup Qualifiers: Šulc on target for Czechia, DR Congo edge Jamaica and more
The final six places for this summer's World Cup were on the line this evening -- catch up on all the action and learn how which Ligue 1 McDonald's players punched their ticket for the tournament.
Czechia 2-2 Denmark (3-1 on penalties)
Pavel Šulc of Olympique Lyonnais continued his strong form to help his country reach the World Cup. Having helped his team battle back against Ireland in their previous match, the winger was again in the eleven, and it didn't take him long to find the back of the net, as he scored in just the third minute of play. The Danes -- for whom Marseille's Pierre-Emile Højberg played 120 minutes -- would battle back, but the hosts would prevail in the shootout.
Czechia’s Štar. PAVEL ŠULC. 🇨🇿💫 pic.twitter.com/G5LRO2Caj2
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) March 31, 2026
Bosnia, Sweden and Turkey seal their spots
The most surprising result of the day, however, belonged to Bosnia, who upset highly favored Italy on penalties after the Azzuri had a man sent off just before the break. Young RC Lens defender Nidal Celik wasn't involved in the match, but can look forward to the chance of his first major tournament. For Turkey, former Lille fullback Zeki Çelik was in the eleven as they beat Kosovo. Another former Lille defender, Gabriel Gudmundsson, started for Sweden as they beat a Poland side featuring Rennes' Sebastian Szymański 3-2 to secure their own place in the finals.
DR CONGO MAKE HISTORY, QUALIFY FOR THE 2026 WORLD CUP 🇨🇩🤩 pic.twitter.com/aJgx15fAtD
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) March 31, 2026
DR Congo hold on against Jamaica
The final match of the day to involve players from Ligue 1 McDonald's saw Jamaica face DR Congo, and the Leopards held on to reach the finals for the first time in 50 years. Veteran Chancel Mbemba (LOSC) was stellar in defence, while goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi (Le Havre), Arthur Masuaku (Lens) and Nathanaël Mbuku (Montpellier) all started as well, with Lille youngster Ngal'Ayel Mukau coming off the bench to help see out a 1-0 win.
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