DR Congo Beats Jamaica 1-0 in Extra Time to Qualify for World Cup 2026
In a thrilling World Cup qualifying match, DR Congo secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Jamaica in extra time, earning their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The victory came during the intercontinental playoff, marking a historic return to football’s biggest stage for the Congolese side.
Historic Return for DR Congo
The decisive goal came in the 100th minute, when Axel Tuanzebe of Burnley expertly converted a corner into the match-winning strike. Despite a strong performance by Jamaican goalkeeper Andre Blake, the shot found the back of the net, sending DR Congo fans into celebration.
This win represents DR Congo’s first World Cup appearance since 1974, when the team competed as Zaire, ending a 52-year absence from the tournament.
Match Highlights: Congo vs Jamaica
- Final Score: DR Congo 1 – Jamaica 0 (after extra time)
- Goalscorer: Axel Tuanzebe (100th minute)
- Venue: Estadio Akron, Guadalajara, Mexico
- Match Summary: Both teams remained scoreless for the full 90 minutes. DR Congo broke the deadlock in extra time, while Jamaica was unable to find an equalizer despite their efforts.
Impact on Both Nations
DR Congo 🇨🇩
The win secures DR Congo a spot in Group K at the 2026 World Cup, where they will face top international teams including Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan. This qualification highlights the Leopards’ impressive rise and Africa’s strong representation in the tournament.
Jamaica 🇯🇲
For Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz, the loss is a heartbreaking end to their World Cup campaign. The team misses the chance to appear in their second-ever World Cup, the first since 1998, despite putting up a valiant fight throughout the match.
Looking Ahead
With DR Congo confirmed, the lineup for the 2026 FIFA World Cup nears completion. Fans around the world now anticipate the expanded tournament, which will be hosted across USA, Canada, and Mexico, marking the first-ever three-nation World Cup. DR Congo will make a long-awaited return to the world stage after more than five decades.