The Democratic Republic of Congo secured a long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup after edging Jamaica 1-0 in a dramatic intercontinental playoff final decided in extra time.
The decisive breakthrough came from defender Axel Tuanzebe, whose close-range finish proved enough to separate both sides in a fiercely contested encounter in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Tuanzebe struck in the 100th minute, reacting quickest inside the six-yard box after Jamaica failed to clear an in-swinging corner. The goal sparked anxious moments as it underwent a lengthy VAR review for a potential handball before eventually being upheld, triggering jubilant celebrations among the Congolese players and technical crew.
The match had earlier swung on fine margins, with DR Congo seeing a late effort ruled out in normal time after Théo Bongonda was adjudged marginally offside in the build-up.
Jamaica’s resistance was led by experienced goalkeeper Andre Blake, who produced several crucial saves to deny Cédric Bakambu, the Leopards’ most threatening attacker throughout the contest.
The victory not only sealed a place at the 2026 tournament but also marked a historic milestone for the Central African nation, returning to the global stage for the first time since their lone appearance as Zaire in 1974.
Drawn alongside Portugal, Uzbekistan, and Colombia, DR Congo will now look ahead to a landmark campaign, carrying the hopes of a nation eager to make up for decades of absence.
