DR Congo originally secured their spot in the intercontinental play-off final by defeating Nigeria on penalties in the CAF play-off final.
By Kehinde Okeowo
The Democratic Republic of Congo have booked their place in the 2026 World Cup after edging out Jamaica 1-0 in extra time during a winner-takes-all play-off final.
The encounter, played on Tuesday, 31 March at Estadio Akron in Zapopan, Mexico, began with both sides sizing each other up before DR Congo took the initiative in the second half.
The African side’s persistence eventually paid off in the 100th minute, when Axel Tuanzebe scored the only goal of the match from a corner kick.
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With this victory, DR Congo—who last participated in the tournament in 1974 as Zaire—have earned a place at this year’s FIFA World Cup.
Jamaica’s defeat, however, means both CONCACAF representatives in the intercontinental play-offs failed to qualify, following Suriname’s earlier semi-final loss to Bolivia.
Despite this, the region will still have six World Cup participants, including the three host nations: Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
DR Congo originally secured their spot in the intercontinental play-off final by defeating Nigeria on penalties in the CAF play-off final.
