After a long wait of 52 years, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has finally secured its place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating Jamaica national football team. The nation last appeared on football’s biggest stage in 1974 under the name “Zaire,” and after five decades of absence, they have now made a historic return.
The intercontinental playoff final, held at Estadio Guadalajara in Mexico, was filled with intense action. Neither side managed to score during the regular 90 minutes, forcing the match into extra time. The decisive moment came in the 100th minute when former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe found the back of the net.
Connecting with a corner kick, Tuanzebe skillfully directed the ball into Jamaica’s goal. However, the celebration was briefly paused as the referee consulted VAR over a possible handball. After review, the goal was confirmed, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Congolese players.
Speaking after the match, Tuanzebe expressed his emotions, stating that scoring a winning goal for his country is a dream for any footballer. He added that he feels incredibly proud of the achievement and that the team is ready to celebrate this historic milestone.
DRC dominated much of the game but initially struggled to convert their chances. Their solid defensive performance, however, ensured that Jamaica was kept at bay throughout the match. For Jamaica, this defeat shattered their hopes of returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1998.
With this victory, Africa will now have a total of 10 teams competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. DRC is set to begin their campaign against Portugal national football team, with Colombia national football team and Uzbekistan national football team also in their group.
DR Congo ends 52-year wait for World Cup berth
