DR Congo have qualified for the 2026 World Cup after Axel Tuanzebe scored a dramatic extra-time winner against Jamaica, sealing a 1-0 victory in their inter-continental play-off final.
The Burnley defender struck in the 100th minute at the Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, turning in a corner to send the Leopards through and spark celebrations among players and supporters alike. The result confirms DR Congo’s place at the tournament for only the second time in their history.
Tuanzebe, who recently switched his international allegiance from England to the country of his birth, described the moment as the fulfilment of a lifelong ambition.
“To get the winning goal for the country, this is what, as a young boy, you dream about,” Tuanzebe said.
“It’s happened for me, and I’m so very happy. I’m so proud of what I could do for my country. My dad has been with me all the way and is here. My brother too.”
The defender’s journey to this point has been notable. Having previously represented England at youth level, he made his debut for DR Congo in June 2024 in a 1-1 draw against Senegal. He quickly became an important part of the squad during the qualification campaign.
DR Congo’s route to the finals was far from straightforward. After progressing through the African qualifiers, they reached a decisive CAF play-off against Nigeria, where they triumphed 4-3 on penalties to keep their hopes alive. That victory set up the final inter-continental clash with Jamaica, where Tuanzebe ultimately proved the difference.
Head coach Sebastien Desabre praised his team’s determination, highlighting the long-term effort behind their success.
“I’m so happy for the Congolese people and these players. They have fought resiliently through these qualifiers,” he said.
Desabre had set the target of World Cup qualification three and a half years ago, and this result marks the culmination of that project.
The achievement carries added significance for DR Congo, who last appeared at the World Cup in 1974, when the nation competed as Zaire. Their return to the global stage ends a wait of more than five decades.
At the 2026 tournament, DR Congo have been drawn into Group K, where they will face Colombia, Portugal and Uzbekistan. The team will now turn its attention to preparing for what promises to be a challenging group-stage campaign.
For Tuanzebe, however, the focus remains on the magnitude of the moment. His decisive goal not only secured qualification but also etched his name into the country’s football history, marking a remarkable chapter in his international career.
