The Democratic Republic of Congo secured a historic return to the FIFA World Cup after 52 years, defeating Jamaica 1-0 in extra time in their intercontinental play off final at Guadalajara Stadium in Mexico.
Axel Tuanzebe scored the decisive goal in the 100th minute to send the Leopards into the expanded 2026 tournament. The defender had described the match as the biggest of his career and delivered when it mattered most.
Tuanzebe, born in Bunia in eastern DR Congo, has now written his name into the country’s football history with his first international goal.
The match remained goalless after 90 minutes despite several chances, particularly for DR Congo who saw Cedric Bakambu twice denied by offside decisions.
Extra time breakthrough
DR Congo end a 52 year wait for World Cup after dramatic extra time victory over Jamaica in playoff clash. Photo credit: cafonlineThe breakthrough came during extra time after a tightly contested encounter. Tuanzebe reacted quickest inside the penalty area, bundling the ball over the line with his torso after Brian Cipenga’s corner deflected off Jamaica defender Joel Latibeaudiere.
There was a brief delay as video assistant referee officials checked for a possible handball. The goal was eventually confirmed, giving DR Congo the lead.
Jamaica struggled to respond and failed to create clear opportunities to equalise as the Congolese defence held firm.
DR Congo had controlled much of the match, creating early chances through Bakambu and Meschack Elia. Elia came close with a near post effort that was stopped by goalkeeper Andre Blake and the woodwork.
Jamaica gradually grew into the game, with Leon Bailey and Kasey Palmer testing the defence, but their efforts lacked precision in the final third.
QUALIFIÉEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES 1💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽 pic.twitter.com/TmXXKkcKjS
— Fecofa RDC_Officiel (@FecofaRdc) April 1, 2026
Bakambu thought he had scored late in the second half, but the goal was ruled out for offside after Theo Bongonda was judged to have moved beyond the last defender.
The Congolese side continued to press in extra time and nearly added a second goal, but Edo Kayembe missed a clear opportunity after a counter attack.
Despite the missed chances, Tuanzebe’s goal proved enough to secure victory and spark celebrations among players and supporters.
DR Congo’s path to qualification has been long, with the campaign beginning in November 2023. They finished second in their group behind Senegal before overcoming Cameroon and Nigeria in the African play offs.
Jamaica had hoped to reach their second World Cup after their debut appearance in 1998, but were unable to break down a disciplined Congolese side.
With qualification secured, DR Congo will now compete in Group K at the 2026 World Cup. They are set to face Portugal in their opening match on 17 June in Houston before playing Colombia and Uzbekistan.
The result marks a major milestone for Congolese football and signals their return to the global stage after more than five decades.
