DR Congo became the 47th team to qualify for this summer’s World Cup and their first appearance in 52 years after a 1-0 win over Jamaica in their intercontinental play-off final at the Guadalajara Stadium in Mexico on Tuesday, March 31st, 2026.
Former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe netted the only goal in the first half of extra time to settle the tie after a tense affair in normal time.
The former England under-21 international bundled the ball over the line from a Brian Cipenga’s in-swinging corner in the 100th minute, but had to wait for more than a minute while it was checked for a possible handball before being confirmed as a goal.
The former England youth international, who was born in Bunia – a city affected by the ongoing conflict in eastern DR Congo – has now written his name into Congolese football history.
“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,” said Tuanzebe, who now plays his club football for Burnley in the English Premier League.
In regular time, both sides played cautiously, taking few risks. DR Congo made a strong start — Cedric Bakambu having a goal ruled out for offside — but couldn’t take advantage of their superiority and Jamaica grew into a contest that was low on chances.
In the second half the Jamaicans offered more threat, without necessarily creating clear opportunities, with Kasey Palmer and Leon Bailey impressing. However, with the clock ticking towards extra time, Bakambu again had the ball in the net — only for it again to be correctly flagged for offside in the build up.
The victory means there will be 10 teams from Africa lining up at the 2026 edition of football’s showpiece event.
The DRC defeated Nigeria in a playoff at the end of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) qualifier to reach the intercontinental stage.
Jamaica beat New Caledonia on Thursday in their intercontinental pathway to reach this stage, while DRC’s ranking – as one of the African sides – meant they were placed straight into the final.
They have only once previously reached the finals – in 1974 as Zaire. Similarly, Jamaica have only reached the finals in 1998 in France.
DR Congo who take their place in Group K at the expanded 48-team tournament, face Portugal in their opening match in Houston on 17 June before ties against Colombia and Uzbekistan
