Follow Us on Google
By Lawrence Agbo
The Democratic Republic of Congo has ended a 52-year wait for a World Cup appearance, qualifying for the 2026 FIFA tournament after a 1-0 win over Jamaica in extra time.
The decisive goal came in the 100th minute from Axel Tuanzebe, who converted a corner from Brian Cipenga, sending the Leopards to their second-ever World Cup.
DR Congo last competed on football’s biggest stage in 1974, then known as Zaire.
Other News
The match, held in Guadalajara, Mexico, saw DR Congo dominate early, with Cedric Bakambu twice denied by offside calls.
Jamaica pressed in the second half but failed to break the Congolese defense.
After a VAR review confirmed Tuanzebe’s strike, celebrations erupted among the Congolese team and officials.
DR Congo will kick off their 2026 campaign in Group K alongside Portugal, Uzbekistan, and Colombia, on June 17 in Houston, Texas.
