DR Congo Qualifies for 2026 World Cup After Defeating Jamaica

The Democratic Republic of the Congo secured a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Jamaica 1-0 in an intercontinental playoff match held in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Key points

• Axel Tuanzebe scored the decisive goal during the extra time period to seal the victory for the Congolese team.
• The match was officiated by Argentine referee Facundo Tello, who was forced to leave the field in the 114th minute due to a muscle injury.
• With this win, the Democratic Republic of the Congo joins Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan.
• This marks the nation's second appearance in the tournament, following their previous qualification as Zaire in 1974.

Why it matters

The qualification of the Democratic Republic of the Congo represents a significant milestone for the nation's football history, marking its return to the global stage after more than 50 years.