Axel Tuanzebe Sends DR Congo Back To The World Cup After 52 Years
— Mary Ene
DR Congo has qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1974 after defeating Jamaica in the intercontinental playoff. Defender Axel Tuanzebe scored the decisive extra-time goal that sealed the historic return. The victory marks a major milestone for Congolese football after decades o…
The Democratic Republic of Congo secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 1-0 victory over Jamaica in an intercontinental playoff match played in Guadalajara, Mexico. The match was decided in extra time, with Tuanzebe scoring the decisive goal in the 100th minute.
The Congolese national team, coached by Sébastien Desabre, featured a squad largely composed of players competing in European leagues. Tuanzebe, a defender who previously represented England at youth level, has become a key figure in the team’s defensive structure and leadership setup.
The playoff match took place at Estadio Akron near Guadalajara, Mexico, one of the venues linked to the expanded 2026 World Cup competition hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The victory ends a 52-year absence from the global tournament, with DR Congo’s only previous participation dating back to 1974 when the country competed under the name Zaire at the World Cup in West Germany.
Qualification represents a significant achievement for the Central African nation, reflecting progress in football development and strategic recruitment of diaspora talent eligible to represent the country internationally.
The playoff encounter remained goalless after 90 minutes, with DR Congo creating several chances but failing to convert during regular time. Tuanzebe eventually scored from a corner situation in extra time, with the goal confirmed after a VAR review.
The 2026 tournament will feature an expanded format of 48 teams, increasing Africa’s representation and providing more qualification opportunities for emerging football nations. DR Congo joins other African teams expected to compete at the tournament.
Players and officials described the qualification as a historic achievement capable of boosting national morale and strengthening the country’s football profile globally after decades of absence from the sport’s biggest stage.
DR Congo has been drawn into Group K, where the team will face Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup scheduled to begin in June 2026.
Axel Tuanzebe Sends DR Congo Back To The World Cup After 52 Years