The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have secured a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Jamaica in their intercontinental playoff final, decided after extra time.
Former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe proved the hero, scoring the decisive goal in the 100th minute of a tense encounter at Estadio Guadalajara. The defender bundled the ball over the line from a corner in the first half of extra time, though celebrations were briefly delayed as officials reviewed a potential handball before confirming the goal.
“We made it very difficult for ourselves, perhaps the occasion got the better of us,” said Tuanzebe, who plays club football for Burnley FC.
“To score the winning goal for your country… This is what every player dreams of.
“I am so proud of what I could do for the country, I’m so proud of the country, and now it is time to celebrate.”
The Congolese side were widely seen as deserving winners, having dominated much of the match despite creating limited clear-cut chances in a fast-paced contest.
The victory confirms DRC as one of 10 African teams set to feature at the expanded 2026 tournament. They reached the intercontinental playoff after defeating Nigeria in a Confederation of African Football (CAF) qualifying playoff, while Jamaica advanced by overcoming New Caledonia earlier in the pathway.
This marks only the second World Cup appearance for the Central African nation, who last competed in the tournament in 1974 under the name Zaire. Jamaica, meanwhile, were aiming to return to the global stage for the first time since their sole appearance in 1998.
DR Congo have been drawn into a group alongside Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan, and will open their campaign against the European side.
The final remaining World Cup berth will be decided later on Tuesday when Iraq face Bolivia in the other intercontinental playoff final.
Boluwatife Enome
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